Spain and Portugal hit by major power outage, halting trains and flights and wiping out traffic lights

On Monday, April 28, 2025, a massive power outage swept across Spain and Portugal, plunging millions into darkness and disrupting daily life in both countries. The blackout, which occurred late in the morning, affected major cities including Madrid and Lisbon, leading to widespread disruptions in transportation, communication, and essential services.

In Portugal, the outage was nationwide, with reports indicating that the entire country experienced a loss of electricity. Similarly, in Spain, the blackout impacted vast regions, including the capital, Madrid. The sudden loss of power led to the shutdown of subway networks, traffic lights, and ATM machines, causing significant inconvenience to residents and commuters.

Travel infrastructure was severely affected. Madrid Airport experienced major disruptions, with flight delays and cancellations reported. Passengers faced long waits, and the lack of power hindered airport operations, including check-in and baggage handling services.

The cause of the blackout is currently under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest issues with the European electric grid may have contributed to the outage. Spanish generator Red Eléctrica acknowledged the incident and stated that assessments are ongoing to determine the exact cause and to prevent future occurrences.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of interconnected power systems and the cascading effects that can result from failures within the grid. As both countries work to restore normalcy and investigate the root causes, the event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust and resilient energy infrastructure.

Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions during such outages, including having emergency supplies and backup power sources readily available.

As more information becomes available, authorities will provide updates on the situation and measures being taken to enhance the stability and reliability of the power grid.