Update to our earlier Spain coverage: what is new is a proposed joint strike by Adif and Renfe staff on November 17, with a rally at Congress the day before, and a reported suspension of the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line until December 13.
November 3, 2026 — Spain’s rail network faces a month of disruption. On top of the train drivers’ strikes already called for November 10 and 12, the works committees at state rail operator Renfe and infrastructure manager Adif are moving toward a joint strike on Tuesday, November 17, over rail safety following the Urda collision of October 28, in which 69 people died. Meanwhile, the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line remains suspended, reportedly until December 13.
What’s new
- November 17 strike: Adif’s works committee unanimously approved a strike day for November 17 and a rally at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid on November 16, Herqles reported. Renfe’s general works committee is expected to call the same actions, but this was awaiting official confirmation. The UGT union has confirmed its support and wants the action extended across the whole rail sector. According to ACN, the unions plan to register the strike formally after meetings on Thursday, November 5. Hours, affected services and minimum services: TBA.
- Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line: El Imparcial (EFE) reported on November 2 that the line remains suspended until December 13. Iryo has cancelled all its services from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha on the southern corridor, and Ouigo has suspended all Madrid–Andalusia services. Renfe has set up an alternative plan using commuter trains and buses for ticket holders between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Puertollano.
- More strikes possible: The CGT rail federation (SFF-CGT) has begun legal steps to call a further strike, El Imparcial reported. Dates: TBA.
Rail strike calendar
| Date | Who | What |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Nov. 10 | SEMAF (Renfe train drivers) | 24-hour strike, 00:01–23:59; commuter (Cercanías), regional and long-distance services expected to be hit |
| Wed, Nov. 11 | General strike (reported by Qué!) | Details TBA |
| Thu, Nov. 12 | SEMAF | Three stoppages: 06:20–09:20, 14:20–17:20 and 21:20–23:20 |
| Mon, Nov. 16 | Adif works committee (Renfe expected to join) | Rally at the Congress of Deputies, Madrid |
| Tue, Nov. 17 | Adif works committee; Renfe committee pending confirmation; backed by UGT | Joint rail strike proposed; hours and minimum services TBA |
What it means for airline travelers
- If you are flying into Madrid, Seville, Málaga or Córdoba and planned to use the high-speed train between Madrid and Andalusia, plan on a domestic flight, bus or rental car instead — the line is reported closed until December 13.
- On November 10, 11, 12 and 17, expect fewer Cercanías commuter, regional and long-distance trains. If you rely on a Cercanías train to reach the airport, allow extra time or use a bus, taxi or ride-share instead.
- Standby loads on domestic flights within Spain, especially Madrid–Seville and Madrid–Málaga, may be heavier than usual with the high-speed line closed. Check loads early and have a backup.
- Renfe normally publishes minimum-service timetables shortly before a strike; check renfe.com or the Renfe app the day before you travel, and ask about refunds or changes if your train is cancelled.
- Check whether your travel insurance covers strike disruption; strikes already announced before you buy a policy are often excluded.
Sources
- Herqles: El Comité de Empresa de Adif convoca huelga el 17 de noviembre (Nov. 3, 2026)
- Diari de Tarragona (ACN): Los comités de Adif y Renfe plantean una huelga el 17 de noviembre para reclamar mejoras de seguridad (Nov. 3, 2026)
- Qué!: Huelga de maquinistas en Renfe: dos días de paro este mes para exigir seguridad tras Urda (Nov. 2, 2026)
- El Imparcial (EFE): La red ferroviaria, paralizada por la huelga y la suspensión de la línea Madrid-Andalucía (Nov. 2, 2026)
- Renfe: Official service information
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