October 31, 2026 — Low-cost high-speed operator Ouigo has cancelled every train it planned to run in Spain on Monday, November 2, because of a train drivers’ strike. Nine days later, on November 11, Spain faces a 24-hour general strike that could hit trains, metros, buses and airport ground handling.
Ouigo: all trains cancelled Monday, November 2
- Who: The train drivers’ union Semaf called the strike on October 7 over how Ouigo applies its collective agreement.
- What: Ouigo cancelled all trains on all routes on October 30 and November 2. The company says the two days cover 40 trains and almost 20,000 passengers.
- Why everything was cancelled: Spain’s Transport Ministry set minimum services at an average of 72%, but the National Court (Audiencia Nacional) provisionally suspended that order. Ouigo said it could not guarantee which trains would run.
- Weekend service: Ouigo says trains on October 31 and November 1 are running normally.
- Refunds: Booked passengers are being notified by email. They can change their ticket free or get a full refund, and Ouigo says it will also pay compensation of up to 200% of the ticket price.
General strike: Wednesday, November 11
Spain’s two largest unions, CCOO and UGT, have called a 24-hour general strike from midnight to midnight on November 11. Renfe trains, city metros, buses and airport ground handling could all be affected, and Barcelona Metro, FGC and Rodalies workers have joined. As of October 29, no minimum services had been published for rail or aviation.
What it means for airline travelers
- November 2: If you booked Ouigo, look for your email from Ouigo and choose a refund or a new date. Renfe, Iryo or a domestic flight are the alternatives.
- November 11: Avoid planning a standby flight into Spain with a same-day train or tight onward connection. Allow extra time to reach the airport, as metro and airport rail links may run reduced service.
- Watch for minimum-service announcements from the Transport Ministry, Renfe and Aena in the days before November 11.
- Book refundable train tickets where you can, and check whether your travel insurance covers strike delays.
Sources
- Valencia Plaza — Ouigo cancela todos sus trenes del 30 de octubre y el 2 de noviembre ante la huelga de maquinistas (Oct. 30, 2026)
- Ouigo España — Trenes afectados por huelga de maquinistas (official notice page)
- Travel Tourister — Europe Strikes November 2026: Dates for Flights and Trains (Oct. 31, 2026)
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