Passengers are being warned of potential disruption to flights because of a huge power outage affecting large parts of Spain and Portugal.
Trains have stopped, flights have been delayed, the Madrid underground has been evacuated, while other metros are closed. Traffic lights are out and the power outage has affected shops, restaurants, internet and mobile phone networks and cash points.
The outage occurred just after midday Spanish time, and the country’s grid operator Red Electra says it is working to restore the power supply. However it has warned recovery could take up to 10 hours.
France’s grid operator RTE also said parts of the country briefly lost power after the outages in Spain and Portugal.
Spanish airport operator Aena said: “Due to the power outage, some incidents are occurring at the airports. Contingency generators are active. Please check with your airline, as there may be disruptions to access and ground transportation.”
Portuguese carrier TAP said: “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.”
Lisbon Airport reportedly told passengers to leave and contact their airline provider, although the airport has not yet given an official update.
Power has reportedly been restored at Barcelona Airport, although gate screens are not yet on, one passenger told Sky News.
Mayor of Madrid José Luis Martinez-Almeida has warned residents to stay where they are in order to keep the roads clear.
Aviation analytics company Cirium said on Monday afternoon that 96 flights departing Portugues airports have been cancelled so far, with the worst affected being Lisbon, which has cancelled 30% of departures. Nine flights from the UK to Portugal have been cancelled so far.
Cirium said 45 flights departing Spanish airports have bee cancelled so far, with 3% of departures from Barcelona and 2.5% of departures from Madrid cancelled. There have been no flight cancellations from the UK to Spain so far today.
The UK Foreign Office updated its advice 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.”
Pictured: Stock image of Madrid Airport
