Flights from Canary Islands to Witness Solar Eclipse on 12 August
On 12 August, a solar eclipse will plunge parts of the Iberian Peninsula into darkness for one and a half minutes, with the phenomenon also visible from the Canary Islands. Many will be viewing it from the ground, but some passengers will have the unique chance to see it from the air.
Iberia is organising special flights, led by astronomer Miquel Serra-Ricart from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), alongside regular flights coinciding with this historic event. Passengers aboard may catch the eclipse at around 10,000 metres, weather permitting, with up to six flights from the Canary Islands expected to align with the peak of the eclipse.
While the eclipse will be partial in the Canaries, a total eclipse will cross most of northern Spain. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has provided specific timings for each municipality. Finding the right flights involves matching departure times on 12 August with flight durations, as many will either land before or take off during the eclipse.
Flights heading to the Iberian Peninsula or the UK are the best choices, promising increased solar obscuration and views above any cloud cover. Tenerife airport offers the most logistical options, but Gran Canaria is highlighted for potentially providing up to 99.9% obscuration.
Key Flights for the Eclipse
The ideal flight to witness this event is Iberia’s IB1582 from Tenerife Norte to Madrid, departing at 18:35 (Canary time), coinciding almost perfectly with the start of the eclipse at 18:35. After an hour’s flight, passengers will enjoy the maximum obscuration over the peninsula.
Conversely, Vueling’s flight VY3217 to Barcelona departs at 18:55, meaning passengers will miss the initial minutes of the eclipse. Meanwhile, easyJet’s U28040 to London-Gatwick departs at 18:25, allowing a brief view of the spectacle before the eclipse begins.
Gran Canaria’s Air Europa flight UX9165, leaving at 18:00, presents another excellent option as it will be airborne during the initial stages of the eclipse.
Challenges from Other Islands
Unfortunately, options from other islands appear less favourable. Flights from Lanzarote, such as easyJet’s U28126 to Gatwick, leave at 19:15, when the eclipse is well underway. La Palma and Fuerteventura have flights that do not align with the timing of the event.
Choosing the Best View
Finally, it’s crucial not just to book the right flight but also to select the proper seat. The golden rule is to sit on the left side of the plane for flights heading north or northeast, ensuring views of the western-setting sun during the eclipse.
Passengers should bring certified eclipse glasses for safe viewing, as not all airlines—like Iberia—are providing protective eyewear on their flights.
