Delayed takeoff – Mallorca–Berlin flight landed in Hannover and continued by bus

Flight from Mallorca to Berlin: Plans became improvisation

What started as a normal evening flight ended for most travelers involuntarily with a night ride. The Airbus, which should have taken off from Palma late on Tuesday evening, lifted off only much later after a severe weather change—and did not reach Berlin.

Why Hannover instead of Tegel or BER?

In Berlin, a night flight ban applies to many public airports from midnight. When the takeoff was delayed due to gusts and heavy showers, it became clear: if the aircraft wanted to fly to Berlin after the delayed takeoff, it would run into the curfew. So the authorities decided to land in Hannover. Arrival there: about 0:30 a.m. says several passengers I spoke to shortly after landing at the gate.

The flight was originally planned for early evening – departure around 18:20, arrival in Berlin at 21:00. Because of the storm everything was delayed; takeoff reportedly only after 22:00. On board there were turbulences; the captain's announcement brought a mix of relief and fatigue to the cabin. Not a disaster, but clearly: the mood was tense.

Continued journey by bus and night train

In Hannover buses waited on the tarmac. Passengers had to disembark, luggage reloaded, and a several-hour onward journey began. Some told me they had to drive through until 04:00 – others slept on the bus and later boarded trains. A couple told me they had left a car in Potsdam and planned to complete the rest of the journey by ridesharing. Not ideal, of course.

Flight number, airline and exact aircraft are not as important to most visitors as the question: How do I get home? For early bookers with connections, the delay was especially annoying. The airline offered assistance; ground staff helped with rebookings and information – though sometimes with waiting times.

An evening that happens more often

Late-summer storms, tight slots and strict night flight rules are an unpleasant combination. For travelers this meant: plan changes, longer return trip, and the realization that even short flights do not always end on schedule. If you are traveling on Mallorca: a look at the weather forecast and the flight status app can help on days like these. For affected passengers, the hope remains for compensation or at least a peaceful night at home – sometime the next morning.