Wildfire near Marseille disrupts flights and transport as flames spread rapidly

Tuesday 29 July 2025 - 14:20

A fast-moving wildfire near Marseille temporarily shut down the city’s airport on Tuesday, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays as flames approached dangerously close to the runways. Marseille Provence Airport suspended operations around midday, leaving travelers stranded and airlines scrambling to adjust schedules. Flights resumed later in the evening, around 6 p.m. UTC.

The wildfire, driven by scorching temperatures and strong winds, consumed over 700 hectares near the city in just a few hours. More than 1,000 firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft, worked to contain the blaze as it threatened homes and infrastructure. Transport disruptions extended beyond the airport, with train services interrupted and major roads, including the A9 motorway linking France and Spain, heavily congested or closed.

Royal Air Maroc canceled its Casablanca to Marseille flight for the day, while transport officials urged passengers to stay updated on schedules and avoid the airport if their flights were canceled. Regional authorities also advised affected residents to remain indoors due to smoke and ongoing risks.

By Wednesday, officials reported some containment progress but warned that conditions remained volatile. The fire is one of several blazes across Southern Europe, where heatwaves and climate change have intensified wildfire activity. Emergency resources are stretched thin as the region battles multiple simultaneous fires.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of key transport hubs like Marseille Airport to natural disasters exacerbated by global warming, underscoring the growing challenges faced by Southern Europe in managing the impacts of extreme weather events.