A massive power outage has affected millions of citizens throughout Spain and Portugal, starting at 12:00 PM on April 28, 2025. Reports indicate that the outages have paralyzed the normal functioning of infrastructures, communications, train stations, airports, businesses, and buildings. Hospitals, however, have managed to continue operations thanks to backup generators.
Red Eléctrica, the public company responsible for the electrical connections, announced that by 1:00 PM, they began to recover electrical tension in the northern and southern parts of the peninsula, a crucial step in progressively restoring electricity supply. Citizens from all Spanish autonomous communities and Portugal reported a widespread lack of electricity supply shortly after noon.
According to reports, the Canary and Balearic Islands remained unaffected by the outages, while the mainland experienced significant disruptions. The power failure has impacted communications, airports, and high-speed transport networks in both Spain and Portugal, as well as traffic lights and shopping centers. In Madrid, the Metro service has been interrupted due to the lack of electricity, and the Cercanías network is also out of service.
In hospitals across Spain, emergency protocols have been activated. For instance, the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid has set up an emergency committee, and the Hospital 12 de Octubre has suspended non-urgent procedures. However, essential operations have continued, with backup generators ensuring that critical medical equipment remains operational.
In Portugal, the blackout has also created chaos, particularly at Lisbon Airport, where thousands of passengers have been left in confusion. The National Electric Company confirmed that the power outage is widespread and is investigating the causes. Minister Manuel Castro Almeida mentioned on RTP that a cyberattack affecting several European countries is a possibility.
As the situation unfolded, the Spanish government convened at La Moncloa to monitor the crisis and consider intervention options. Reports from various cities, including Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, described scenes of chaos due to the lack of traffic lights and services. Telephone communications have also been disrupted, complicating efforts to gather information.
Endesa and Iberdrola are investigating the reasons behind the widespread blackout, which occurred around 12:30 PM. The blackout has affected not only Spain and Portugal but also some parts of France. Although the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla reported no electrical problems, the Iberian Peninsula has been severely impacted.
On the ground, emergency services are working tirelessly. The Madrid Emergency Service has reported a surge in calls related to the blackout, and the Municipal Police are deployed to manage traffic and assist those trapped in elevators. The situation has become critical, prompting the activation of evacuation protocols in many buildings.
In addition to transportation disruptions, the blackout has paralyzed factory operations, including the Ford Almussafes car plant, where production lines have come to a halt. Workers expressed concern and confusion, unsure of what had caused the blackout.
Despite the chaos, the Spanish Stock Exchange (BME) confirmed that it is operating normally, with no interruptions in trading. However, some financial institutions may face connectivity issues that could hinder their operations.
Reports suggest that the massive power outage in Spain and Portugal has only slightly affected areas bordering France, with isolated power outages noted in cities like Perpignan. Meanwhile, the situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing to investigate the cause of the blackout.
As the day progresses, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is analyzing the situation to determine whether the outage is linked to a cyberattack. Some experts and European cybersecurity agencies have pointed to Russia as a potential suspect behind the attack, which has been described as a direct assault on European sovereignty.
Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that the EU would respond with unity and resilience to any threats against its sovereignty. The Kremlin, however, has denied involvement in the incident, labeling the accusations as unfounded and provocative.
In the meantime, the recovery process continues, with Red Eléctrica stating that they are gradually energizing the transport network as generation groups come online. The company has activated supply restoration plans in collaboration with sector companies to address the situation.
As the investigation continues, many are left wondering about the true cause of this unprecedented blackout. Will it be revealed as a mere technical failure, or is there more to this story? For now, citizens across Spain and Portugal remain in the dark, both literally and figuratively, as they await answers.
