Spain and Portugal experienced a widespread blackout on Monday (April 28), leading to the paralysis of public transportation, chaos at airports, train stations, and roads, and also affecting France. Power companies are urgently working to repair and restore the power grid.
Following the blackout, the governments of Spain and Portugal held emergency cabinet meetings as the blackout briefly affected some parts of France bordering northeastern Spain.
The Portuguese utility company REN confirmed that the entire Iberian Peninsula experienced a blackout, affecting some parts of France as well. Red Electrica, the operating company of the Spanish power grid, stated that they are working with regional energy companies to restore power.
A spokesperson for REN stated, “We are coordinating with European energy producers and operators to initiate a phased plan to restore energy supply.” REN is currently investigating the possible causes of the incident.
The blackout led to disruptions in screens, lighting, and power outlets across the region. According to reports by Spanish radio station, Madrid subway personnel are evacuating stations. With subway and elevators out of service, some people were left stranded. Traffic congestion occurred in the central areas of Madrid as traffic lights stopped functioning, as reported by Cadena Ser radio station.
Witnesses said that hundreds of people were standing outside office buildings in Madrid, with police intensifying patrols and traffic control around major buildings while patrolling main roads in the city center.
Luis Ibáñez Jiménez told CNN, “I was driving, and suddenly there were no traffic lights… It felt like being in the jungle. I saw a big bus coming, and I had to accelerate.”
Witnesses also told Reuters that one of the towers in Madrid, where the British Embassy is located, had been evacuated.
Portuguese police warned people to avoid unnecessary travel due to traffic signals being affected nationwide, with the Lisbon and Porto subways shut down, and train services completely interrupted. “Please slow down and pay more attention. Safe driving is crucial: your calmness can save lives.”
According to Publico newspaper, the Lisbon metro operator Metropolitano de Lisboa stated that the subway had completely halted, with passengers stranded inside carriages.
A spokesperson for TAP Air Portugal mentioned that Lisbon Airport is operating using backup generators, while AENA, the air traffic management body overseeing 46 airports in Spain, reported nationwide flight delays.
French grid operator RTE stated that although there was a brief blackout, power has been restored. Investigations into the cause are currently underway.