BA and Ryanair flights disrupted due to Marseille wildfire

The runway has been closed since around midday because of a wildfire circulating nearby to the southern French port city.

Some 168 firefighters, two helicopters and 68 engines were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, with 350 hectares (865 acres) hit.

The prefecture has told residents in the northern area of Marseille to stay inside and keep shutters and doors closed - there have been no reports of casualties.

Smoke cloud engulfs Marseille as a huge wildfire rages, heading to the North of the city.

Marignagne Airport and A55 closed and residents in 16e arrondissement told to stay indoors.

168 Firefighters and five Canadairs trying to contain the blaze. pic.twitter.com/y8bDfytvAe

— George Boxall (@georgeboxall22) July 8, 2025

Others have been told to keep the streets clear in the city so emergency services can operate.

Live TV footage showed light smoke giving the sky over Marseille’s old port a dusty aspect.

Since early this afternoon, all arrival flights due to land at Marseille Provence Airport have been delayed, according to its website and the Daily Express.

British Airways and Ryanair flights to Marseille ‘delayed’ and ‘cancelled’

In the latest update, a British Airways flight from London Heathrow due to land at 3pm is showing as “on time”, the publisher has reported.

🔴 Fermeture de l’aéroport de Marseille.

Aucun vol au départ et à l’arrivée en raison d’un très violent incendie à proximité de l’aéroport.

Les vols se déroutent tous. pic.twitter.com/RCRrFy5E4J

— air plus news (@airplusnews) July 8, 2025

Additionally, the Ryanair flight from London Stansted at 4.15pm is currently showing as “delayed”, and the 5pm British Airways flight from London Heathrow is “cancelled”.

Meanwhile, the 9pm London Heathrow flight from British Airways is appearing as “on time” according to the Daily Express.

Ryanair issues update for passengers travelling to Marseille Provence Airport

Ryanair has advised that affected passengers will be notified, and all passengers travelling to/from Marseille on Tuesday should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.

The airline said in a statement on its website: "We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by this incident, which is beyond Ryanair's control and affects all airlines operating to/from Marseille on Tuesday 08 July."

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

Sky News has shared that the spokesperson for Marseille Provence Airport said planes had not been taking off or landing since around midday.

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They also confirmed some flights had been diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports.

Several weeks of heatwaves combined with strong winds have increased the risk of wildfires in southern France, with several breaking out over the past couple of days.

Newsquest has contacted British Airways for comment.