Europe Power Outage Impacts Airport and Transport in Spain, France, Portugal—What Travelers Should Know

Large swaths of Portugal, Spain, parts of France, and Italy experienced a massive power outage around 11:40 am (Lisbon time) on April 28.

According to Sky News, the power grid operator in Spain, Red Electrica, reported it is already working with companies to restore power. Meanwhile, in Portugal, electrical distribution company E-REDES said the interruption was due to a problem in the European electricity grid and it is attempting to address the issue, reports local newspaper Noticias.

Noticias added that several hospitals in Portugal also reported being without power, including Curry Cabral Hospital, whose doctors and nurses said they are unable to access computers and that its vaccines, stored in refrigerators, could soon spoil. 

Portugal’s National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) has also activated its emergency plans and is asking people not to use 112 (its version of 911) unless it’s a severe emergency to avoid overloading lines. And Portugal’s police force also noted in a statement that the traffic lights throughout the nation are at risk of failing and urged people who have to drive to «Reduce your speed and pay extra attention,» noting that if you can avoid driving to do so. “Prioritize safe driving: your calmness saves lives.»

Meanwhile, in Spain, the play had to be halted at the Madrid Open, which social media reports showed left fans in near total darkness in the lower floors. 

According to Politico, an unnamed official briefed on the situation shared, “A crisis committee has been set up to manage the situation [in Spain]. At this stage, there’s no evidence yet regarding the cause of the massive blackout. A cyberattack has not been ruled out, and investigations are ongoing.» 

Those traveling to the Iberian Peninsula should check in with their airline, as reports have surfaced that major airports, including the international airports in Lisbon and Madrid, are experiencing massive delays. According to reporters at El Español, planes that have been able to land are sitting on the tarmac in Madrid, with airport officials not allowing passengers to deplane. 

The airport in Lisbon has also reportedly been affected. According to El País, flights to and from the city are experiencing delays, and as of 12:50 p.m. local time, power has not been restored.

This is a developing story.