Urda crash triggers resignations at Spain’s transport ministry and Adif, high-speed line remains closed

Spain’s railway sector is undergoing a leadership change following the fatal collision between a Renfe AVE and an Iryo high-speed train on 28 October 2026. Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned on 3 November, followed a day later by Adif president Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña. Puente announced his departure after addressing parliament, citing two major railway disasters within one year. In January, another high-speed collision at Adamuz, on the Madrid–Seville corridor, killed 46 people. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has temporarily transferred responsibility for the Transport Ministry to First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, ahead of Spain’s general election on 29 November. Marco de la Peña subsequently resigned after meeting Cuerpo on 4 November. The Urda accident occurred at kilometre 118 of the Madrid–Seville high-speed line, where Renfe AVE service 2080 struck the rear of a stationary Iryo 6076 service. The collision killed 69 people and injured more than 100. Investigators are examining the failure of the LZB train protection system and subsequent instructions issued by Adif’s control centre at Madrid Atocha. Following the system failure, six trains stopped automatically. The control centre subsequently authorised the Renfe train to resume normal running, rather than proceeding under restricted sight conditions at a maximum of 40 km/h, while the Iryo train remained stationary ahead. The technical and judicial investigations are examining the sequence of control decisions and whether similar procedures were followed during previous LZB failures. Madrid–Seville services face restrictions after reopening The Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line remained closed on 5 November, with Adif’s latest traffic bulletin confirming the suspension. High-speed operations continue on the Madrid–Toledo and Málaga–Seville sections. Removal of the damaged trains has been completed. Adif has requested judicial authorisation to begin infrastructure repairs. Although the direct damage covers slightly more than 40 metres of track, the infrastructure manager intends to renew approximately 400 metres as a precaution. The government estimates that repairs could be completed within ten calendar days after judicial authorisation is granted. A confirmed reopening date has not yet been established. Even after reopening, Madrid–Seville high-speed services will operate with fewer departures until the completion of an extraordinary safety assessment and installation of ERTMS Level 2, expected in early 2027. The government intends to maintain passenger capacity despite the temporary reduction in train frequency. Under the extraordinary railway safety plan announced on 3 November, Adif will introduce additional safeguards for traffic management during signalling failures. The measures include mandatory validation by a second traffic controller when automatic train protection is unavailable, alongside new control-centre software with automatic warnings, electronic communication records and operational checklists. Longer-term technological proposals include artificial intelligence monitoring and a digital twin of the railway network. The government also plans additional traffic-control staff, revised fatigue-management arrangements and more simulator-based training. Airlines expand capacity as passengers seek alternatives The prolonged interruption has diverted demand towards air transport. Iberia and Iberia Express have scheduled 98 additional flights between Madrid and Andalusia from 30 October to 8 November, offering 20,718 extra seats. Madrid–Seville accounts for 10,734 additional seats, while Madrid–Málaga gains 9,984. Iberia has also increased aircraft capacity on existing flights and voluntarily limited one-way economy fares on these routes to €99 until 8 November. Renfe has arranged alternative road and conventional railway connections, including services involving Ciudad Real and Puertollano, while offering free ticket changes …