A huge dust cloud meant that as many as 822 flights were cancelled, and the regional government declared a state of alert, advising residents to keep their windows closed and stay indoors.

Strong winds of up to 120 km/h have been battering the Islands and carrying sand to popular tourist destinations, including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife, blocking out the sun and giving them a red hue that tourists described as ‘apocalyptic’ and ‘surreal’.

Travel group Tui issued an apology to affected passengers: “We would like to sincerely apologise to customers for the disruption caused by the adverse and changeable weather conditions in the Canary Islands on Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23,” said a spokesperson. “The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority and we are working tirelessly to find the best solutions for all our customers.”

easyJet passengers were told to make their own hotel arrangements: “Due to extremely high demand at the moment in Las Palmas, we’ve been unable to find a room for you. Our staff will do everything they can to make your wait in the terminal building as comfortable as possible.” The airline said that it would “put a cap on the amount we refund you” if a passenger found a room that is more expensive than a “Premier Inn, IBIS and Holiday Inn”.

Flights from Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma and North Tenerife are now beginning to resume (Monday 24 February), but those departing South Tenerife continue to be grounded.