Strait of Gibraltar sees record passenger numbers during OPE 2026

The 2026 Operation Paso del Estrecho (OPE) has completed its most intense period of the summer, recording record-breaking passenger numbers across the Strait of Gibraltar. Between July 31 and August 3, more than 151,200 passengers and approximately 37,500 vehicles crossed from Spanish ports to North Africa.

On the peak Saturday of the operation, 39,006 passengers and 10,056 vehicles embarked, with car arrivals exceeding 1,000 per hour. This surge necessitated the activation of Level 1 Emergency Phase to maintain traffic flow and prevent congestion. While the operation met official traffic forecasts, security forces have reported significant labor pressure and exhaustion due to the extraordinary volume of travelers.