Update to our Spain coverage of November 5: what is new is that Ouigo’s train drivers called off their November 6 and 9 and December 4 and 8 strikes, Renfe drivers are keeping their November 10 and 12 strikes after talks with the government made no progress, and Catalonia has published minimum services for those days and for the November 11 general strike.
November 6, 2026 — One threat to Spanish rail travel has gone away, but several remain. Ouigo trains will run normally today and on Monday after the drivers’ union SEMAF reached a deal with the company. Renfe drivers, however, are still set to strike on Tuesday, November 10 and Thursday, November 12, and Spain’s 24-hour general strike goes ahead on Wednesday, November 11.
What’s new
- Ouigo strikes called off: SEMAF and Ouigo signed an agreement on November 5 cancelling the strikes planned for November 6 and 9 and December 4 and 8, El Independiente and El Español reported. The deal covers working hours, shift stability, rest periods, overtime limits, holidays and limits on overnight stays away from home. El Español says all trains scheduled for those four days will run normally and existing tickets remain valid.
- Renfe strikes stay on: SEMAF met Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister who is temporarily in charge of transport, on November 5. The union called it a first contact with “no progress” and said the strikes stand unless it gets concrete, verifiable commitments on rail safety. Talks were due to continue on Friday, November 6; the outcome was not known when we published.
- Second union: Catalunyainfo reports that the ALFERRO union has also called a strike of all Renfe Group staff on November 10 and 12, from midnight to midnight.
- November 17 still on: El Constitucional reports that the November 17 rail strike, called by the Renfe and Adif works committees over safety, is going ahead. SEMAF’s call for that day covers drivers at eight operators, including Ouigo and Iryo.
Strike calendar
| Date | Who | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov. 6 and Mon, Nov. 9 | Ouigo drivers (SEMAF) | Called off — normal service |
| Tue, Nov. 10 | Renfe drivers (SEMAF); all Renfe Group staff (ALFERRO) | Full-day strike, 12:01 a.m.–11:59 p.m. |
| Wed, Nov. 11 | General strike (CCOO, UGT, CGT, CNT and others) | 24 hours, all sectors |
| Thu, Nov. 12 | Renfe drivers (SEMAF); all Renfe Group staff (ALFERRO) | SEMAF stoppages 6:20–9:20 a.m., 2:20–5:20 p.m. and 9:20–11:20 p.m. |
| Tue, Nov. 17 | Renfe and Adif works committees; SEMAF drivers at eight operators | Rail safety strike; hours TBA |
| Fri, Dec. 4 and Tue, Dec. 8 | Ouigo drivers (SEMAF) | Called off |
Minimum services announced so far
Only Catalonia’s regional government has published figures, according to Catalunyainfo:
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- November 10 and 12 (Rodalies and Catalan regional trains): 66% of normal service at peak times (6:00–9:30 a.m. and 5:00–8:30 p.m.) and 33% the rest of the day.
- November 11 general strike (Catalonia): Rodalies, regional trains, Barcelona metro and buses, FGC trains and trams run 25% of normal service from 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 4:30–9:00 p.m. only. The Barcelona airport bus runs 50%.
- High-speed and long-distance trains (AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity, Avant) and Cercanías outside Catalonia: set by the national transport ministry; not yet published (TBA).
- Flights on November 11: minimum services for airports run by Aena had not been published (TBA). The Olive Press reported that no bus, train, metro or airport operator had yet released revised schedules.
What it means for airline travelers
- If you were worried about a Ouigo train today or on Monday, you can relax: those trains should run as booked.
- Avoid counting on Renfe trains on November 10, 11 and 12. If you must travel by rail, check your train on the Renfe website or app the day before, and build in a backup such as a bus, rental car or flight.
- Arriving in Barcelona on November 11? Rodalies trains to and from the airport will run only in the morning and evening windows above. The airport bus is guaranteed at 50%. Allow plenty of time and expect long taxi lines.
- Flights on November 11 could be disrupted once minimum services are announced. Standby travelers should avoid that date if possible, check loads closely and have a plan for an overnight stay.
- Demonstrations are expected in several cities on November 11, including Madrid and Barcelona. Stay away from marches.
- Check whether your travel insurance covers strikes that were announced before you bought the policy; many do not.
- Enroll in STEP (U.S. citizens) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- El Independiente: Los maquinistas anulan la huelga de Ouigo que bloqueaba el puente de diciembre (Nov. 5, 2026)
- El Español: Ouigo y el sindicato de maquinistas acuerdan desconvocar las huelgas de noviembre y diciembre (Nov. 5, 2026)
- El Constitucional: Los maquinistas mantienen la huelga en Renfe tras una reunión “sin avances” con Carlos Cuerpo (Nov. 5, 2026)
- Capital: Los maquinistas mantienen la huelga en Renfe tras una reunión sin avances con Cuerpo (Nov. 6, 2026)
- Catalunyainfo: Huelga Renfe 10 y 12 noviembre: Rodalies y servicios mínimos (updated Nov. 5, 2026)
- Catalunyainfo: Huelga general 11 de noviembre (updated Nov. 5, 2026)
- Demócrata: Las huelgas ferroviarias se extienden en noviembre con Renfe, Iryo y Adif entre las afectadas (Nov. 6, 2026)
- The Olive Press: Spain braces for chaos next week with general strike (Nov. 4, 2026)
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