TUI issues update as Brits have holidays cancelled after flooding chaos on Spanish island

Pool areas in the worst affectead areas of Lanzarote flooded after torrential rain on Saturday (Image: @keith73m/TikTok)

Holidaymakers have been left disappointed after travel giant TUI cancelled flights to Lanzarote as torrential rain flooded the island. A state of emergency was announced after rain swept across the worst affected areas of the Spanish state on Saturday.

The popular tourist destination of Costa Teguise was badly hit, with holidaymakers there taking to social media to share the aftermath. Photos and videos showed pool areas covered in murky brown floodwater and roads caked in thick mud.
Some holidaymakers only found out their trip had been cancelled while at the airport.

TUI confirmed a "small number" of holidays were cancelled in recent days (Image: Getty)

A TUI spokesperson said: “Due to the lack of alternative accommodation on the island during the busy Easter period we unfortunately had to cancel a small number of holidays departing yesterday and today.

“Customers were able to receive a full-refund or amend to another TUI holiday with a re-booking incentive.

“As always, the safety of our customers and colleagues is our main priority therefore TUI resort teams are working with the local authorities to find customers currently in impacted hotels, alternative accommodation or return flights back to the UK.”

The Foreign Office on Monday warned journeys to the island would be affected following the heavy rain and flooding.

It urged those travelling to or on the island to “follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates”.

Weather forecasts for Lanzarote over the coming days are much improved.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency predicts low chances of rain, with mostly cloudy or sunny conditions and highs of up to 23C.

Local authorities confirmed there have been no reported injuries and the Canary Islands government ended the state of emergency on Sunday morning.

The municipalities of Arrecife and San Bartolome were the other worst affected areas.

The head of Lanzarote’s emergency services on Sunday said crews attended 300 calls overnight - mainly in Arrecife and Teguise - with some homes flooded.

Images showed cars submerged, buildings flooded and large bins being carried down roads by the surging torrents of water, just days after the island was battered by Storm Oliver.

Lanzarote is a popular destination for tourists, including Britons, offering all-year round warm weather, beaches, watersports and more.

Jet2 also offers holidays to some of the areas worst hit - the Daily Express approached the company for a comment.