November 8, 2026 — Update: Spain’s Ministry of Transport has set minimum services for this week’s Renfe train-driver strikes on Tuesday, November 10, and Thursday, November 12. About seven in ten AVE and long-distance trains are expected to run. The national general strike on Wednesday, November 11, is still on.
What changed
On Saturday, November 7, the Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible published the minimum services Renfe must run during the strike called by the SEMAF train drivers’ union. This was the missing piece in our earlier coverage. A second meeting between SEMAF and the ministry, on Friday, November 6, did not end the dispute, according to Que.es. No further talks had been confirmed (TBA).
Minimum services on November 10 and 12
| Service | Minimum service |
|---|---|
| AVE and long-distance trains | 72% |
| Media Distancia (regional) | 65% (average; may vary by line and time) |
| Cercanías commuter trains, peak hours (06:00–09:00, 13:30–15:30, 18:30–20:30) | 75% |
| Cercanías commuter trains, off-peak | 50% |
| Freight | 20% |
For Catalonia, a separate report gives different figures for commuter and regional rail on November 10 and 12: 66% at peak times and 33% the rest of the day. The sources we read did not explain the difference, so check Rodalies service information if you are traveling in Barcelona.
Strike start and end hours were not given in the reports (TBA).
November 11 general strike
Wednesday, November 11, is not part of the SEMAF strike, but it is the day of the 24-hour nationwide general strike called by the UGT and CCOO unions over the housing crisis, wages and labor protections. Trains, local transport and flights could all be affected that day. Minimum services for the general strike were not in the reports we read (TBA).
What it means for airline travelers
- Three days in a row (November 10, 11 and 12) could see reduced rail service. If you planned an AVE or long-distance trip, roughly 3 in 10 trains may not run on the 10th and 12th. Check your booking email and Renfe’s website for whether your train is kept.
- Renfe’s own refund or free-change policy for this strike was not published in the reports we read. Check with Renfe before you buy a replacement ticket.
- If you are flying standby into Madrid or Barcelona and then connecting by train, consider shifting the trip to avoid November 10–12, or fly closer to your final destination.
- Commuter trains to the airports will run at reduced levels, especially outside peak hours. Leave extra time, or plan on a taxi, airport bus or ride-share.
- Strikes in Spain often bring demonstrations in city centers. Avoid large gatherings and allow extra time to get around.
- If you have travel insurance, check whether it covers missed connections caused by strikes. Many policies exclude strikes that were announced before you bought the policy.
Sources
- Que.es: La huelga de Renfe: servicios mínimos del 72% en AVE y larga distancia el 10 y 12 de noviembre
- 101TV: Estos son los trenes que sí circularán el 10 y 12 de noviembre durante la huelga de maquinistas
- WFMD (Fox News): Urgent travel alert as nationwide strike threatens widespread disruption and delays
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