A major power outage on April 28, 2025, left millions in Spain, Portugal, and France without electricity, shutting down trains and essential services. Authorities pointed to disruption in the European electricity grid, with hospitals relying on generators and numerous public spaces halting operations.
Widespread Blackout Disrupts Life in Spain, France, and Portugal
Widespread Blackout Disrupts Life in Spain, France, and Portugal
Millions affected as power outages cripple transportation and critical infrastructure across the Iberian Peninsula.
A significant power outage struck Spain and parts of France and Portugal on April 28, 2025, impacting millions of residents and leading to widespread disruption of critical infrastructure. The blackout caused chaos in several cities, as airports and transportation systems came to a halt. Reports suggest that the outage stemmed from a disruption in the European power grid, but the precise cause has yet to be determined.
People across the Iberian Peninsula felt the immediate impact, with hospitals forced to operate on backup generators. In Portugal, banks and schools closed doors, affecting daily activities. The Madrid Open, a prestigious tennis tournament, had to suspend matches due to the outage, highlighting the extensive reach of the blackout.
In Murcia, a city located in southeastern Spain, essential traffic signals and crosswalk signs went dark. Residents cautiously navigated the streets, and many businesses struggled to operate without power. E-Redes, the national energy supplier for Portugal, explained that the blackout affected numerous regions across Spain, including Catalonia, Andalusia, and Aragon, among others. It also registered outages in France's Basque Coast and Burgundy area.
Spanish national power company Red Eléctrica confirmed on social media that power had been restored in certain areas but acknowledged that many locations remained without electricity. António Leitão Amaro, Portugal's Minister of State for the Presidency, dispelled rumors of a cyberattack, stating there was no evidence to support such claims.
National railway service Renfe reported an immediate cessation of train services, further complicating transportation recovery efforts. Local train services in Valencia faced complete disruption, with authorities admitting that the duration and extent of the outage remained uncertain.
Life as communities knew it came to a standstill as people faced blacked-out conditions. Local restaurants closed their kitchens, churches shuttered their doors, and crowded lines formed at ATMs as residents sought cash to navigate the crisis. Amidst the chaos, EasyJet warned passengers of significant delays at Spanish airports due to ongoing power issues that affected vital airport systems.
Despite the challenging circumstances, not all activities ceased. In particular, indoor flamenco classes in Murcia carried on, taking advantage of the sunlight streaming through windows. This ongoing situation remains fluid, with developments expected as power restoration efforts continue across the impacted regions.
