Caught in the Storm off Lanzarote: Finnair’s Holiday Flight’s Rough Landing Attempts – A Situation Watched Closely

Let’s face it: sometimes the thing you remember most about a holiday isn't the tan, but the trip home. That was the case last week for passengers on a Finnair flight returning from Lanzarote. The situation was watched closely, and it wasn’t just a one-off mishap – several other planes found themselves in the same boat at the same airport.

Tension Builds at the Airport – Several Attempts and Finally a Diversion

I’d been keeping an eye on things myself using flight tracking apps and social media as the news started to come in. The Finnair holiday flight tried to land in Lanzarote but had to concede the conditions simply weren’t safe. Eyewitnesses said the plane was buffeted by the wind like a leaf on a wave. One attempt, two attempts – and eventually the aircraft had to loop around and head for another airport. Not exactly what anyone wants after a holiday.

But what really stood out here was that Finnair wasn't alone. On that day, Lanzarote was hit by wind gusts that occasionally exceeded 70 kilometres per hour, making landings tricky at best, especially if they’re coming from the wrong direction. Several planes were in the same situation at the airport. A few circled, hoping the wind would ease, but in the end, many had to make the same call as the Finnish aircraft.

Pilot Experts Weigh In: When Is It Too Risky?

I had to talk to some people in the industry about this. They don’t leave things to guesswork – they get right into what a pilot is really thinking in the cockpit. One expert pointed out that decision-making in a situation like this is straightforward: if you’re not sure, you don’t go. Lanzarote’s airport is known for its tricky winds, and while planes are built to handle strong gusts, the final call always rests with the captain to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

And that call was made. The Finnair plane eventually landed safely at another airport, and passengers were transported back by road. That’s the result that matters. Not getting in half an hour early.

• Gusty conditions: Locals reported strong crosswinds near the airport, exceeding safety limits for several aircraft types.
• Multiple attempts: Several aircraft had to make at least two approach attempts before heading to their alternate airport.
• No technical issues: I want to stress this because it’s easy to assume a breakdown. This was purely about the weather, and every plane came through the situation unscathed.

What Does This Mean for Holidaymakers?

If you're planning a trip to the Canary Islands or about to head off, this isn’t a reason to worry. In fact, it shows the system works. The weather forecast for Lanzarote points to calmer conditions in the coming days. Storms like this are typical for the region this time of year, but they’re usually quick to pass.

What’s got me thinking is how little passengers often know about what flight captains sometimes have to do. You’re sitting there, someone nearby sighs when the plane heads to the “wrong” city. But when you see footage of how that plane was handling in the sky, you quickly realise that captain just kept you out of a pretty serious situation.

In the end, everything turned out fine. Planes were refuelled, passengers were transferred, and holidaymakers made it home – a bit later than planned, but safely. And that’s what really counts.