What was supposed to be an ordinary day for travelers arriving at one of Spain’s most popular island destinations quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.
Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan Airport, typically buzzing with tourists heading to beach resorts, became the scene of a shocking, seemingly random knife attack that left bystanders in disbelief.
A Sudden and Unprovoked Attack Leaves Onlookers Frozen
Passengers at the busy Palma airport on Monday watched in horror as a man was violently stabbed in the neck with no warning and, according to witnesses, no obvious motive.
The victim, believed to be in his early 20s, was reportedly waiting in the arrivals terminal with a friend when a stranger approached him.
The attacker, who appeared to be asking questions about a phone in an unclear or confusing way, suddenly pulled out a knife and lunged at the man.
The entire assault happened in a flash—shocking tourists and locals alike who were just passing through the terminal.
Panic Breaks Out in the Terminal as Police Intervene
People nearby were understandably stunned.
Some panicked, others froze, but all were visibly shaken. Airport security and local police quickly arrived at the scene.
The attacker, who had not left the terminal, was swiftly arrested on the spot.
Authorities confirmed that the two men did not know each other, and there was no confrontation or provocation prior to the assault.
Victim Stabilised by Medics After Emergency Response
Emergency responders from SAMU 061 rushed to treat the victim right inside the airport.
After being stabilised at the scene, he was taken to a local hospital for further care.
While officials haven’t shared the full extent of his injuries, it’s been confirmed that his life is not believed to be in danger.
Investigation Underway as Questions Remain Unanswered
So far, police have not been able to establish a motive behind the attack.
There’s no indication of a previous dispute or connection between the two individuals.
The assailant is expected to appear in court as the investigation continues.
Authorities have also not released the nationalities of either the attacker or the victim, but early reports suggest both were foreign visitors to the island.
Locals Voice Concerns Over Rising Crime on the Island
Beyond the immediate fear caused by the incident, many locals are now voicing frustration and concern about what they see as a rise in violent crime in Mallorca.
One local resident posted online, “The place is becoming a joke.
Broad daylight at Palma airport. If this isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is.”
Second Knife Scare Adds to Growing Unease
The stabbing follows another disturbing incident just days earlier at Gran Canaria Airport, where an 18-year-old man was shot dead by Spanish police after threatening tourists with a knife.
That young man, originally from Gambia, was gunned down after lunging at police officers responding to the scene.
Tourists reportedly ran for safety as gunfire erupted in the terminal during the frightening Saturday afternoon confrontation.
Safety Concerns Rise as Summer Season Approaches
As the peak summer travel season looms, these recent violent outbursts are raising alarms for both locals and holidaymakers.
While Spanish airports remain heavily patrolled and generally safe, the sudden nature of these incidents has left many questioning whether enough is being done to prevent random acts of violence in public spaces.