Flights are diverted from major airport in Spain due to fog phenomenon: British tourists are forced to land on a different holiday island

MULTIPLE flights have been diverted from a major airport in Spain due to fog.

The weather phenomenon caused a severe ‘lack of visibility’ for pilots, meaning planes were unable to take off or land.

Air traffic controllers at Lanzarote Cesar Manrique Airport said that due to ‘visibility problems’, aircraft were being sent to ‘alternative airports for safety reasons.’

The fog is being caused by a so-called ‘calima’ episode, which is when sand and dust particles become suspended in the air, causing visibility and even breathing problems, depending on its severity.

One flight from Nottingham in the UK was diverted to Fuerteventura Airport, along with another service from Sevilla, both operated by Ryanair.

At least three other flights were also diverted to the nearby island.

Several other flights were forced to land in Gran Canaria, mostly those arriving from other Spanish islands.

Spanish airport operator Aena has advised anyone travelling to or from Lanzarote to check the status of their flights.