Spain and Portugal are grappling with a massive power outage that began around 12:30 PM on April 28, 2025, affecting millions of residents and disrupting critical services across both nations. Reports of the blackout have flooded in from major cities including Madrid, Malaga, Sevilla, Bilbao, and Cadiz, as well as from various regions in Portugal. The power cut has led to significant chaos, with traffic lights failing, train services halted, and airports operating on backup generators.
As of 1:33 PM, voltage has begun to return in substations across several areas of the Iberian Peninsula, including the Basque country and southern regions like San Roque and Algeciras. However, the full restoration of electricity is expected to take between six to ten hours, according to Eduardo Prieto, the Director of Operations at Red Eléctrica Española, the country’s electricity network.
"The main objective of the works in this phase of the replacement is to provide voltage to the generation groups," Prieto stated during a press conference. He described the situation as "exceptional and completely extraordinary," highlighting the unusual nature of the incident.
The blackout has not only affected daily life but also created a ripple effect on transportation systems. Most train services have been canceled, and many trains remain stranded on the tracks. The Spanish traffic authority has urged citizens to avoid driving due to non-functional traffic lights, resulting in chaotic conditions on the roads. Local police are directing traffic at major intersections and closing minor routes to manage the flow.
Hospitals are running on backup power, with estimates suggesting they can maintain vital services for 24 to 48 hours using diesel fuel. Airports, including Malaga Airport, are also functioning on generators, but disruptions have been reported. Flights are grounded, and there are concerns for those still airborne as the skies are filled with uncertainty.
According to Endesa, a major power company, the blackout is attributed to a failure within Spain’s national grid. However, the National Cryptologic Center (CCN) is currently investigating whether the outage may have been caused by a cyberattack. This inquiry comes in the wake of an increase in cyber threats directed at Spain, particularly due to its involvement in international conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Reports indicate that Spain has been experiencing a significant rise in cyberattacks, with several hundred incidents classified as critical each year.
The CCN, which is responsible for the cybersecurity of public institutions, noted that there has been an unusual amount of scanning of infrastructure belonging to the national grid. Sources within the electrical sector have indicated that the observed patterns could suggest preparations for a massive cyberattack, potentially involving denial-of-service tactics and malicious commands targeting the industrial communications protocols widely used in Spain and Portugal.
As the situation unfolds, the Spanish government and energy authorities are working tirelessly to restore power and ensure public safety. In the meantime, the Madrid Open tennis tournament has been temporarily suspended, with players returning to their dressing rooms as a precaution against the ongoing disruptions.
In a statement, Red Eléctrica emphasized their commitment to restoring supply as quickly as possible, noting that they are deploying all available resources to address the issue. Reports have emerged that power is gradually being restored in various regions, but the timeline for full recovery remains uncertain.
As of the latest updates, only the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands appear to have escaped the blackout, with Ceuta and Melilla presumed to still have power. The situation continues to develop, and authorities are urging residents to remain calm and stay informed through official channels.
This unprecedented power outage serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure and the potential threats posed by both natural phenomena and cyberattacks. As Spain and Portugal navigate these challenges, the focus remains on restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens.
