Travel warning issued to tourists amid huge power outage in Spain and Portugal
Irish tourists have been caught up in widespread travel chaos after Spain and Portugal were hit by a massive power outage which has left millions without electricity and brought both countries to a standstill.
The blackout late on Monday morning caused traffic lights and subway systems to suddenly fail, and has led to severe disruptions to air travel to and from both popular holiday destinations.
Aena, the Spanish-owned company that manages its airports, has said that Madrid Barajas Airport - the busiest air hub on the Iberian peninsula - has been hit hardest by the power outage, with flight cancellations and delays.
"Due to the power outage, some incidents are occurring at the airports," the Spanish airport operator said in a statement.
"Contingency generators are active. Please check with your airline, as there may be disruptions to access and ground transportation."
Lisbon Airport has reportedly told passengers to leave and contact their airline provider, and there is currently a zero rate for arrivals to avoid overcrowding in the already packed terminals.
Portuguese carrier TAP Air Portugal said in a statement: 'Due to the power cut in several European countries, the operation of airports is temporarily very limited. TAP requests that you do not go to the airport until further information.'
A flight set to depart from Dublin Airport to Lisbon at 6.50pm has been cancelled due to the power outages, while two flights set to arrive at the Irish airport from the Portuguese capital later this evening have also cancelled.
The status of other major airports across the Iberian Peninsula remains unclear, although it is understood that the Balearic and Canary Islands, and Madeira remain unaffected by the blackout.
While some of the airports affected by the power outage have been able to partially restore power supplies through the use of onsite generators, the blackout is likely to cause significant disruption to aviation for hours and possibly days, to come, due to knock-on effects following flight delays and cancellations.
Carriers operating flights to and from Ireland have confirmed that they're monitoring the ongoing situation, and passengers are advised to check with their airline and keep up to date with airport's websites.
In a statement posted to their website, Ryanair said: "We are monitoring potential disruption to flights operating to/from all airports in Spain and Portugal.
"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this power outage, which is outside of our control."
Following the major power outage, the Department of Foreign Affairs updated their travel advice for holidaymakers travelling to and from Spain and Portugal.
For Spain, they said: 'The Embassy of Ireland, Madrid, is aware of widespread electricity outages across Spain. We recommend following the instructions of the local authorities at all times.'
The Embassy of Ireland in Lisbon shared a similar message on their Facebook page as they said: "Embassy Lisbon is aware of ongoing issues affecting the power grid in Portugal. Please follow the instructions of the local authorities. In case of emergency, please contact DFAT +35314082000."
The UK Foreign Office also updated its advice to travellers on Monday afternoon to say: "We are aware of reports of power outages across Andorra, mainland Spain and mainland Portugal and are monitoring the situation.
"There may be travel disruption, check with your tour operator or airline for more information before travelling. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local updates."
Spanish power grid operator Red Electrica says it is working with energy companies to restore power in the area. However it has warned recovery could take up to 10 hours.
In a statement on X, the operator said that protocols had been activated to "restore electricity supply in collaboration with sector companies following the blackout that occurred in the peninsular system."
"The causes are being analysed, and all resources are being dedicated to resolving it," they added.
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