Spanish high-speed rail faces reliability crisis

Spain’s high-speed rail sector is facing a reliability crisis characterized by delays, speed restrictions, and cancellations. This decline has impacted major operators including Renfe (AVE and Alvia), iryo, and Ouigo.

Data from the CNMC shows that high-speed travelers in the first quarter of 2026 fell by 21% year-on-year, while INE recorded a 7.1% drop as of May. A major turning point was the January 18 accident in Adamuz on the Madrid-Sevilla line involving an iryo train and a Renfe Alvia. A preliminary investigation by the Railway Accident Investigation Commission identified a rail break as the cause of the derailment.

The incident led to the closure of the Andalusian axis and triggered widespread safety reviews and preventative speed restrictions. On the Madrid-Barcelona corridor, cumulative restrictions and the need for increased night maintenance windows have forced operators to add approximately 25 minutes to scheduled travel times.