Spain and Portugal faced chaotic transport conditions after a large-scale power outage in April 2025. The blackout started on a Monday, April 28, and immediately triggered massive upheaval for travelers.
Trains halted and airports experienced severe disruptions across both countries. Multiple governments quickly issued a travel warning, advising caution for anyone planning to visit the region.
Government Response and Power Restoration Efforts
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Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, acted decisively by declaring an emergency. This emergency status continued the following day while teams worked around the clock to restore power.
Most areas regained electricity overnight. However, the aftermath of the blackout continued to disrupt travel plans throughout the region. Meanwhile, the news of the power outage in Spain and Portugal dominated headlines worldwide as investigators sought answers about the cause.
Despite extensive investigation, the root cause remains unidentified.
Spain and Portugal Travel Disruptions and Advisories
The power outage severely impacted air travel in both countries. As airports switched to emergency generators, thousands of frustrated passengers faced flight delays in Spain and Portugal. Even after power returned, disruptions continued for days.
Aena, which manages 56 Spanish airports, urged travelers to verify flight information before departing for the airports. Similarly, Spain’s air navigation authority, Enaire, confirmed that while air traffic control had returned to regular operation, flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville still faced significant challenges.
In Portugal, all airports were technically functioning, yet Lisbon continued to experience numerous cancellations and delays. Several nations issued a travel advisory recommending the postponement of non-essential travel.
Rail Transport Chaos and Passenger Rescues
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The rail network suffered dramatic disruptions. Emergency teams had to rescue approximately 35,000 passengers stranded on railway lines and metro systems throughout Spain.
Although high-speed and long-distance services gradually resumed, regions like Galicia and Extremadura faced complete service suspensions.
In Madrid, reduced urban train services created lengthy queues and widespread confusion. Meanwhile, Portugal’s rail networks and metro systems in Lisbon and Porto recovered more quickly but still operated with delays for several days after the initial outage.
Impact on Travelers and Recovery Measures
Beyond transportation problems, travelers encountered additional challenges. Many tourists found themselves locked out of accommodations due to electronic lock failures caused by the blackout.
In response to these travel disruptions in Spain and Portugal, several airlines have taken action to help affected customers. For instance, EasyJet offered complimentary transfers or flight vouchers to passengers caught in the chaos. Other travel providers soon introduced similar relief measures.
This unprecedented event has prompted transportation officials to review emergency protocols and backup systems. The goal is to better prepare for future power emergencies and minimize disruptions to travelers crossing the Iberian Peninsula.
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