On Monday, April 28, 2025, A significant power outage struck Spain and Portugal, causing widespread disruptions across public transportation, creating monumental traffic jams, and delaying flights. Utility companies are actively working to restore power, but Red Eléctrica, Spain’s electricity transmission operator, has warned that outages could last between six to ten hours. Officials are investigating the potential for a cyber attack as the cause.
The outage created chaos in various regions, with traffic lights failing and severe gridlock reported. Public transport systems came to a halt, hospitals lost power, and many people found themselves stranded in metro stations and elevators. In Madrid, hundreds gathered outside office buildings, while police managed traffic and patrolled central areas.
Both the Spanish and Portuguese governments convened emergency meetings to address the crisis, which also briefly affected parts of France. A crisis committee has been established in Spain, according to sources familiar with the situation. “The government is focused on identifying the source and impact of this incident, dedicating all resources to resolve it as quickly as possible,” said a spokesperson for the Spanish government.
Red Eléctrica is collaborating with regional energy companies to restore power, while Portugal’s utility REN has activated plans for a phased restoration of electricity supply.
The outage even disrupted the Madrid Open tennis tournament, forcing players like Grigor Dimitrov and Jacob Fearnley to leave the court as scoreboards went dark and overhead cameras lost power.
The European Commission has reached out to authorities in both countries, as well as the European network of transmission system operators (ENTSO-E), to assist in determining the cause of the outage. Such widespread power outages are uncommon in Europe; the last major incident occurred in 2003 when a hydroelectric power line issue in Italy caused a nationwide blackout lasting approximately 12 hours.
In Madrid, the sounds of police sirens and helicopters filled the air as the Torre Emperador skyscraper was evacuated via stairs. Many residents anxiously attempted to reach their children’s schools amid fluctuating cell service.
Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida urged residents via a video shared on social media to minimize travel and stay where they were if possible. Airports across the country reported delays, with AENA, the organization managing 46 airports in Spain, noting significant disruptions. In Portugal, airport operator ANA activated emergency generators, allowing essential operations to continue at Porto and Faro airports.
“In Lisbon, operations are continuing but with some limitations. So far, there have been no effects on the airports in Madeira and the Azores,” the statement read.
As authorities continue to respond to the situation, residents are left grappling with the impact of this unprecedented outage.
Source: Reuters, Edited by Bernie Sly
