[REVISION HISTORY]
Spanish rail strikes and service disruptions
Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
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2026-07-31 05:57 UTC → 2026-07-31 12:10 UTC ·
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The June‑July rail disruption saga, which began with the 15 July nationwide strike and cable‑theft incidents, has entered a second phase. On 31 July, a strike by the Sindicato Ferroviario forced Renfe to cancel up to 322 trains, leaving roughly 27 % of AVE high‑speed services without the ministry‑mandated minimum‑service guarantee (73 % for AVE, 65 % for medium‑distance). The strike, called by the union, targeted safety concerns over union protested faulty air‑conditioning on board and the recent sale of Renfe Mercancías. The ministry required minimum service Minimum‑service levels – were set at 73 % of for AVE, 65 % of medium‑distance, for medium‑distance and 75 % of for Cercanías during peak hours (50 % off‑peak). In Catalonia, Catalonia’s Rodalies will operate run 66 % of its usual peak trains and 33 % off‑peak; Andalusia faces similar reductions. cuts. Earlier strikes in late June late‑June and mid‑July actions saw less than under 2 % staff participation, so most services continued, though any train not covered by the quota may be cancelled. Renfe advises passengers to check updated timetables and consider alternative transport. Renfe continues to meet minimum‑service levels (73 % high‑speed, 66 % medium‑distance, 75 % commuter) the required service thresholds while offering affected passengers free rebooking or refunds; limited bus capacity provides only marginal relief. Meanwhile, the The low‑cost Avlo service on the Madrid‑Málaga corridor runs two extra weekly trains from 4 August to 9 September, with tickets from €9, intensifying competition with Ouigo and Iryo. Madrid’s Metro line 9B remains closed from 25 July to 13 August for track renewal, with a free replacement bus that roughly doubles travel times for its 18 000 daily riders. Adif’s police patrols and infrastructure repairs on the Madrid‑Andalusia high‑speed corridor and the Irixo line continue, while liberalised fares stay 40‑50 % below pre‑pandemic levels, supporting strong passenger volumes. Ahead of the July 31 strike, Renfe made nearly 1.2 million seats available from Thursday to Sunday to mitigate expected cancellations.
Versions
- 2026-07-31 12:10 UTC Spanish rail strikes and service disruptions
- 2026-07-31 05:57 UTC Spanish rail strikes and service disruptions
- 2026-07-30 04:35 UTC Spanish rail strikes, service disruptions, and liberalised
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