Air Force practice flights cause alarm in Murcia and surrounding areas
Residents report loud noises as Pilatus PC-21 aircraft conduct training
A loud roar startled residents across Murcia, Cartagena, Molina de Segura and other towns in the Region of Murcia this Wednesday morning, January 8. The noise, which was heard repeatedly throughout the morning, had locals looking skyward for its source.The cause of the disturbance was training manoeuvres by the Spanish Air Force. Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, used for basic pilot training at the General Air Academy (AGA) in San Javier, flew over various municipalities, including the Mar Menor area, Cieza, and parts of the Guadalentín Valley, such as Totana and Lorca.
The continuous noise, sometimes mistaken for explosions or buzzing, is not unusual. These military training exercises occur regularly and often involve breaking the sound barrier, a phenomenon that can cause the sky to “tremble” and alarms residents unfamiliar with the cause.
This particular exercise involved multiple PC-21 aircraft, known for their role in training Air Force pilots, including those of the famed Eagle Patrol. According to real-time flight data from Flightradar24, the aircraft took off from San Javier, flew over interior regions such as La Unión, Ceutí and Bullas, and then returned to the sea to continue their drills.
Military flights over Murcia are common, and similar exercises were recently conducted by NATO’s pilot school based at Los Llanos Airport in Albacete. However, this week’s activity seemed to spark particular concern due to the volume and intensity of the noise.
The Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, manufactured by the Swiss company Pilatus, have been in use at the San Javier academy since 2021. Their introduction marked a significant step forward for pilot training, though the accompanying noise has sometimes been a source of local discontent.
While some inhabitants express frustration at the noise, others see the manoeuvres as a reminder of the vital role the region plays in Spain’s military training efforts. However, clearer communication about scheduled training flights might help ease tensions and reduce alarm in affected communities.
Image: Flightradar24
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