Massive Power Outage Hits Spain, Portugal, Disrupting Airports and Trains

Millions of people across Spain and Portugal were left without electricity on Monday after a major power outage struck both countries, disrupting airports, train services, and metro systems.

Red Eléctrica, Spain’s national power grid operator, confirmed the blackout and said it was working with partners to restore electricity. The outage began shortly after midday local time, affecting vast areas and reportedly reaching into parts of southern France.

In Portugal, the newspaper Expresso reported a “total blackout,” with Lisbon’s metro trains evacuated and hospitals operating on diesel generators.

In Spain, El Mundo reported that Madrid-Barajas Airport, the country’s largest, lost power. Departure boards at Valencia Airport showed all outgoing flights delayed, while Aena, the state-run airport operator, warned of disruptions to flights and ground transportation despite activating emergency generators.

Train services were severely impacted, with Renfe, Spain’s state railway company, announcing that no trains were departing due to the blackout. In cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, metro services halted, causing widespread commuter chaos.

Traffic in central Madrid was gridlocked as traffic lights failed, and the Madrid Open tennis tournament was temporarily suspended when indoor arenas went dark. Photos shared online by sports journalists showed crowds waiting in darkness.

Authorities had not yet confirmed the cause of the outage by early afternoon. However, by around 1:30 p.m. local time, Red Eléctrica said that power had begun to return to some regions.

Travellers and residents were advised to expect ongoing disruptions as restoration efforts continued.