MADRID, April 29, 2025 — Normalcy has begun to return to Spain and Portugal following one of the most severe power outages in Europe’s recent history, which brought both nations to a standstill on Monday. Flights were grounded, metro services halted, ATMs were shut down, and mobile communications collapsed across large areas, leaving millions in the dark and officials scrambling for answers.
By early Tuesday morning, more than 99% of Spain’s electricity demand had been restored, according to Red Eléctrica, the country’s national electricity grid operator. Portugal’s grid operator REN reported that 85 out of 89 power substations were functioning again, with full restoration expected imminently.
“By 6:30 a.m., the grid was operating close to normal levels,” Red Eléctrica confirmed in a statement. “The restoration process began gradually and has progressed steadily across all affected regions.”
An Unprecedented Blackout
The blackout struck without warning on Monday afternoon, affecting major cities and small towns alike. Airports turned into makeshift shelters for stranded passengers, while train stations and sports arenas were used to house thousands who were stuck mid-journey.
In Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon, residents reported sudden blackouts that plunged homes, streets, and iconic landmarks into complete darkness. The usually dazzling towers of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Basilica faded into the night sky, symbolizing the scope of the crisis.
“We have a long night ahead,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a national address on Monday night. “Our emergency teams are working tirelessly to restore power to the entire country. I ask for calm, cooperation, and solidarity as we navigate this unprecedented situation.”
By nightfall, the Spanish capital resembled a ghost town, with empty streets and shuttered businesses. Even in neighborhoods where power had returned, many residents stayed indoors, wary of another unexpected outage.
“The uncertainty was the worst part,” said Marina Lopez, a Madrid resident. “No one knew what was going on or when the lights would come back.”
Emergency Evacuations and Rescue Operations
The blackout caused massive disruption to public transport. Madrid’s extensive metro network was paralyzed for hours, forcing thousands of commuters to seek alternative routes or wait in darkness.
As of Tuesday morning, Madrid Metro authorities announced that full service had resumed on all lines except one, with 80% of trains operational in time for the morning rush hour.
“We prioritized the busiest routes first,” said Jose Antonio Garcia, a spokesperson for the Madrid Metro. “Our staff worked through the night to bring services back safely and efficiently.”
Emergency services reported that around 35,000 passengers had to be rescued from stranded trains and underground stations across Spain. Prime Minister Sánchez confirmed that as of 11 p.m. on Monday, 11 trains were still awaiting evacuation due to residual power issues.
Airports, ATMs, and Mobile Services Disrupted
The blackout extended its reach to vital infrastructure. Dozens of flights were delayed or canceled, especially at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat airports, where thousands of passengers were forced to sleep in terminals as airport systems failed.
Mobile networks were also disrupted, with users reporting widespread outages in phone and internet services. Banking operations halted as ATMs and point-of-sale systems went offline, causing confusion and long queues at shops and petrol stations that remained open.
In Portugal, Lisbon and Porto experienced similar disruptions. Supermarkets and pharmacies closed early, while emergency lights and backup generators kept hospitals and key government buildings functioning.
“Our priority was to ensure that critical services — healthcare, law enforcement, and communications — remained stable,” said Luís Costa, spokesperson for Portugal’s Civil Protection Authority.
Investigation Underway
Despite the rapid recovery of power, the root cause of the blackout remains unclear. Authorities in both countries have launched a joint investigation to determine what led to the widespread grid failure. Some experts have pointed to potential technical failures or cyber vulnerabilities, but officials have not ruled out sabotage or external interference.
“This kind of simultaneous collapse across two national grids is extremely rare,” said Juan Miguel Torres, an energy analyst with the Iberian Institute of Infrastructure. “It could have been a cascading fault, a cyberattack, or a major technical malfunction. We need a thorough inquiry.”
Spanish and Portuguese officials are expected to hold a press conference later this week to release preliminary findings.
A Cautious Return to Normal
As power returned and cities lit up once more, relief swept across both countries. In Madrid, cheers and applause rang out from balconies as lights flickered back to life in the early hours of Tuesday.
“We’ve never experienced anything like this,” said Rafael Gómez, a shop owner in Madrid’s Lavapiés district. “You realize how dependent we are on electricity — everything stops when it goes.”
Despite the restoration, authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, limit energy usage, and stay updated via official channels as the investigation continues.
“This blackout is a wake-up call,” Prime Minister Sánchez said. “We must strengthen our infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and prepare for the unexpected.”
As Spain and Portugal gradually resume normal life, the experience has left many reflecting on the fragility of modern systems — and the resilience of communities in times of crisis.
