Following the collision of an AVE train operated by Renfe with an Iryo train near Urda in the province of Toledo, the high-speed rail link between Madrid and Andalusia is closed. As a result, many travellers are switching to air travel. Airlines have expanded their services at short notice to meet demand on the main domestic routes. On Wednesday afternoon, the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha put the death toll at 68; more people were reportedly seriously injured. These figures are as of 28 October 2026.
Iberia said it would provide an additional 520 seats on services between Madrid and destinations in Andalusia on Wednesday. The company also added an extra return flight on the Madrid–Málaga route. According to the company, a maximum fare of 99 euros each way in Economy applies to the affected routes through 8 November inclusive; rebooking rules have been temporarily relaxed. The aim is to offer travellers a reliable alternative in light of the line closure .
Other carriers also responded to the surge in demand. According to consistent media reports, Air Europa announced additional flights, particularly to Málaga and Seville. Airport services and travel providers reported increased demand for transfers, while passenger assistance at railway stations and airports was expanded. Consumer groups and transport associations point out that short-notice price increases may still occur with private intermediaries and charter services; however, the measures by scheduled airlines were intended to limit sharp rises on regular services.
The infrastructure company Adif confirmed the closure of the AVE corridor between Madrid and Andalusia. Renfe provided information about affected trains and organised emergency measures. It was initially unclear how long the line would remain closed. Investigations into the cause and circumstances are under way; no conclusive findings were available by the time of publication.
For travellers between the capital and Andalusia, the closed high-speed rail link is likely to mean longer journey times, fewer options and higher prices on the few available services in the coming days. Industry representatives expect the situation to ease only as rail services gradually resume. Companies say any further capacity increases or special allocations will depend on operational developments.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).