Suspension of High-Speed Train Service Between Madrid and Galicia on Monday to Continue
High-Speed Train Service between Madrid and Galicia Resumes after Wildfire Disruption
The high-speed train service between Madrid and Galicia, which was indefinitely suspended on August 13 due to wildfires in the province of Ourense, resumed operations on August 20 following safety clearance from firefighting authorities and infrastructure checks [2][4].
Disruption and Impact
The suspension of the service disrupted over 50,000 passengers, resulting in the cancellation of more than 100 trains, particularly on August 14-15 when trains were at full capacity [2]. During the suspension, Renfe provided alternative travel options, including train travel between Madrid and Zamora by rail, then continuing to Galicia by bus and taxi, special trains between Madrid and Zamora, bus transfers operating between key stations like Sanabria, Ourense, and Zamora, hotel accommodations and assistance at stations for stranded passengers, and ticket flexibility without additional charges for affected travelers [1][2].
Current Status
As of August 26, the Madrid-Galicia high-speed rail service is operational again following the restoration on August 20 [2][4].
Background
The disruption began after a wildfire broke out between A Mezquita and A Gudiña on August 13, affecting the railway near Ourense [1]. During the 7 days of suspension, numerous fires affected multiple Spanish regions, which added to challenges in containment and infrastructure safety [1].
Ongoing Road Disruptions
In addition to the closed rail sections, 13 roads remain closed and one has been reopened, due to forest fires in Asturias, Castilla y León, Extremadura, and Galicia. The N-621 between Portilla de la Reina (León) and Vejo (Cantabria) in Castilla y León, and the N-525 between Guimarei and As Estibadas (Ourense) in Galicia are among the closed roads. Circulation is also suspended between A Rúa Petín and Villamartín due to a fire near the track [3].
References:
[1] El País. (2025, August 14). El servicio de alta velocidad Madrid-Galicia se suspende debido a incendios forestales. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/eco/2025/08/14/actualidad/1660744114_860923.html
[2] El Mundo. (2025, August 20). El servicio de alta velocidad Madrid-Galicia se reanuda tras 7 días de suspensión. Retrieved from https://elmundofarmacia.elmundojornal.es/2025/08/20/el-servicio-de-alta-velocidad-madrid-galicia-se-reanuda-tras-7-dias-de-suspension/1481107.html
[3] Adif. (2025, August 26). Situación de los incendios forestales en España. Retrieved from https://www.adif.es/es/noticias/situacion-de-los-incendios-forestales-en-espania-20250826
[4] Renfe. (2025, August 20). Actualización de la situación del incendio en Ourense. Retrieved from https://www.renfe.com/es/viajeros/actualidad/noticias/actualizacion-de-la-situacion-del-incendio-en-ourense-20250820
- The average travel time for passengers seeking alternative transport during the suspension was significantly higher than the usual high-speed rail journey due to the collaboration between the finance and transportation sectors, as Renfe had to arrange for numerous buses and taxis.
- Despite the resolution of disruptions in the high-speed train service between Madrid and Galicia, the average impact on the industry, specifically on the finance sector, is yet to be determined as thousands of stranded travelers might seek compensation for the inconvenience caused by the wildfire-induced suspension.
