Spanish train drivers began a strike on November 10, 2026, demanding increased safety investment after two fatal collisions on the Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line this year. The first crash in January resulted in 46 deaths, while an October 28 accident caused at least 69 fatalities.
State-owned operator Renfe reported cancellations of about 40% in long- and medium-distance train services on November 10, affecting 4,042 passengers. Commuter train services were also heavily disrupted, with 90% of Madrid’s network and 50% of local trains in Barcelona cancelled.
In Madrid’s suburb of Leganes, commuters relied on buses to reach the city center due
to the strike-related train cancellations. Cercanias, the Madrid commuter rail operator, said five lines were not operational and three others ran only partially. In Catalonia, Rodalies services experienced delays caused by failure to meet minimum service requirements. At Masnou station near Barcelona, sporadic train services resulted in very few waiting passengers.
Negotiations between the Spanish train drivers’ union and the government over rail safety improvements started after the January crash but collapsed in April 2026. Investigations showed the October 28 collision occurred when a train controller ordered a Renfe train to proceed despite a signal failure, even though another train
was stationary ahead on the same track. Following the accidents, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez appointed Carlos Cuerpo as temporary head of the transport ministry after Oscar Puente resigned.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were scheduled to attend a funeral for the victims of the October 28 crash at Toledo Cathedral on the strike day.
