A major power outage swept across Spain and Portugal on Monday, crippling public transport systems, creating significant traffic congestion, and causing delays to airline operations. Utility operators in both countries were working urgently to restore electricity to millions of affected residents.
The governments of Spain and Portugal convened emergency cabinet meetings following the blackout, which also briefly impacted parts of neighboring France. Portuguese utility company REN confirmed widespread electricity cuts across the Iberian Peninsula, extending into sections of France. Meanwhile, Spain’s national grid operator, Red Eléctrica, announced that it was collaborating with regional energy providers to reestablish service.
"All plans for the phased restoration of energy supply are being activated, in coordination with European energy producers and operators," a REN spokesperson said. "REN is maintaining continuous contact with official agencies, including the National Civil Protection Authority. Simultaneously, investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident."
In Spain’s capital, Madrid, local media reported the evacuation of sections of the city’s underground metro system. According to Cadena Ser Radio, traffic ground to a halt in central Madrid as traffic lights failed. A Reuters witness observed hundreds of people gathered outside office buildings, while a strong police presence managed the disrupted traffic flow and patrolled key areas.
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One of the city's prominent skyscrapers, home to the British Embassy, was evacuated as a precautionary measure, the witness added. Reports also indicated that individuals were trapped in halted metro trains and elevators throughout the city.
In Portugal, authorities confirmed that traffic lights were disabled nationwide, metros in Lisbon and Porto were shut down, and train services were suspended. Lisbon’s subway operator, Metropolitano de Lisboa, reported that metro trains were at a standstill with passengers still inside, according to the Público newspaper.
A source at Portuguese airline TAP stated that Lisbon airport was operating on back-up generators. Meanwhile, AENA, which manages 46 airports across Spain, reported flight delays throughout the country. In France, grid operator RTE said it experienced a brief outage but had quickly restored power. The company is currently investigating the incident.
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