Massive power outage disrupts flights and transportation in Spain and Portugal

Due to the nationwide power failures in Spain and Portugal, thousands of passengers are currently stranded at airports in both countries. With the outage affecting flight schedules and operations, passengers should prepare for longer waiting times. As the issue continues to develop, airlines have advised travellers to contact them directly to check for real-time updates on departures.

What is happening in Spain and Portugal?

A widespread power outage hit Spain and Portugal on Monday, leaving millions without electricity and causing significant disruptions to daily life. The blackout, which affected both countries around late morning of April 28th, has been attributed to a fault in the European electric grid. While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials have confirmed the outage's extensive impact on transportation, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure. Passengers planning to travel to or from Spain and Portugal should be aware of potential flight disruptions and other transportation challenges.

Impact on flights in Spain and Portugal

Severe flight delays and cancellations due to power outages

At Madrid's Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), power loss has led to severe delays, with nearly 75% of departures at both airports affected. Contingency generators have been turned on, but travellers are advised to check with airlines for updates, as ground services and access to terminals may be hindered. The outages have also caused cancellations of flights from major European cities, including Brussels, stranding hundreds of passengers.

Disruptions to transportation networks

Train services halted across Spain

Rail services in Spain have also been significantly affected. Renfe, the national rail operator, confirmed that the entire Spanish electricity grid was cut off at 12:30 p.m. local time, halting all train departures nationwide. Commuters and travelers are advised to check Renfe's website for the latest updates on train schedules, as power restoration efforts continue.

Metro and public transport disruptions due to the power outage

In addition to trains, metro services in major cities like Madrid and Lisbon have been disrupted, with some trains stuck in tunnels between stations. Passengers relying on public transportation should be prepared for extended delays, and some routes may be temporarily unavailable until power is fully restored.

When will the power be back in Spain and Portugal?

Ongoing power restoration efforts

As of Monday afternoon, power restoration efforts are underway, with gradual progress being made in northern and southern Spain. Due to the severity and extensive reach of the power loss, authorities report that it could take up to ten hours for full recovery, and the situation continues to unfold.

What passengers need to know

Passengers’ rights amid the power outages

If you're currently in Spain or Portugal, it's recommended to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel unless absolutely necessary. TAP, the major Portuguese airline, has already instructed its passengers not to head to the airport until further notice.

While authorities work to restore power, travellers should expect continued flight delays and cancellations. Unfortunately, the current regulations about passenger rights in the EU and the UK do not grant passengers the right to compensation in this situation. Because the power outage is not something that airlines could have avoided themselves, this is considered an extraordinary circumstance and these flights are therefore not eligible for compensation. Passengers should stay up to date with the latest updates directly from the airlines and expect delays for the rest of the day. 

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