
Travel Alert: Spain and Portugal Declare Emergency Over Flight Disruptions
Power Outage Causes Flight and Transport Disruptions in Spain and Portugal
Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as flight delays and cancellations continue to affect travel across parts of Spain and Portugal. While power has been restored in both countries, the impact on air and rail travel remains significant.
Flight Delays Continue Despite Power Restoration
Air traffic control centres in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville were among the worst affected during the outage. Although power has returned, the disruption to flight schedules continues. Numerous departures and arrivals from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Lisbon faced cancellations, while many others are experiencing extended delays.
Passengers are strongly urged to monitor real-time flight updates and follow travel advisories until operations stabilize.
Train Services Still Recovering
Beyond air travel, Spain’s local transport networks were also disrupted. Emergency services reported assisting around 35,000 stranded train passengers. Urban train services in Madrid were reduced to half their usual frequency, though some high-speed and long-distance services — including connections between Madrid and cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Murcia, and Algeciras — have resumed normal operation.
Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended
In light of these disruptions, travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance. Such insurance can help cover unexpected issues including flight cancellations, delays, lost baggage, and medical emergencies, offering peace of mind during unpredictable travel conditions.