Mobility during the eclipse: what businesses need to bear in mind

In view of the total solar eclipse scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August, the public authorities have prepared an extensive special mobility operation that will affect access to numerous locations along the Balearic coastline. AENIB is informing its member companies of the main measures that workers will need to take into account if they are required to travel that day to reach their workplace or provide services at ports, marinas, businesses or facilities located in the affected areas.

As a general rule, the restrictions will apply between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., although the authorities have warned that they may be brought forward or extended depending on the number of people present or for safety reasons. During this period, road access to beaches, lighthouses, viewpoints, natural areas and other locations expected to attract large crowds will be regulated or restricted in order to ensure access for the emergency services.

Workers will be allowed access, but must provide proof

The restrictions will not prevent workers from accessing the affected areas when they need to carry out their professional duties, although they must be able to provide proof of the reason for their journey.

In the specific case of Playa de Palma, where Palma City Council has established one of the most extensive access-control operations, employees of businesses located in the area must be registered in advance with the Eclipse 2026 Register of Authorised Entities. Once the establishment has been approved, each worker will receive an individual QR code, which must be shown at police checkpoints —preferably printed and clearly displayed on the vehicle dashboard— to facilitate access.

This authorisation will be required for anyone travelling by private vehicle to work at hotels, companies, marinas or other establishments located between El Molinar and the municipal boundary with Llucmajor, where the largest mobility operation will be concentrated.

Palma City Council will also allow access for external companies, including installers, maintenance providers, technical services and other professionals required to carry out work at businesses in the area. To gain access, they must be registered as workers of the establishment where they are due to provide the service.

Nevertheless, the authorities recommend postponing any work scheduled for that day whenever possible, as mobility is expected to be particularly difficult throughout the day, especially in the hours before and after the eclipse.

Recommendations for companies

AENIB recommends that all companies in the sector plan their activity for that day well in advance and, wherever possible:

• Reschedule non-urgent work in the affected areas.
• Confirm in advance that all the necessary access permits are in place.
• Allow additional time for journeys.
• Inform clients and crews of any potential delays caused by the traffic restrictions.

It should also be noted that access on foot, by bicycle, scooter, motorcycle or public transport will not be subject to these restrictions. However, goods suppliers will not be permitted to enter restricted areas during the established closure periods.

AENIB recommends that all member companies check in advance the restrictions affecting the areas where they are due to provide services and coordinate their teams’ journeys well ahead of time, in order to ensure that operations can continue as smoothly as possible during what is expected to be an exceptional day in the Balearic Islands.