World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Rail delays push Madrid-Barcelona travellers toward flights
Rail delays are pushing some travellers to seek alternatives on the Madrid-Barcelona route, including people travelling for work.
At Barcelona's Sants station, some passengers faced uncertainty about departure times, while two business travellers said their company had booked them a flight to avoid arriving late.
Vueling increased flights on the route on October 5, after earlier adjustments to offer more travel options.
Iberia had also capped economy fares at €99 amid rail problems and cancellations.
A locomotive fire near Riclas, in Zaragoza, has left the affected single-track section operating with speed limits, adding to delays between the two cities.
A corporate travel company said 10-15% of bookings were affected, with some customers changing, postponing or cancelling trips.
Adif expects to fully reopen the Zaragoza tracks next week, and the travel company expects demand to return to normal afterward.
Rail delays on the Madrid-Barcelona route are prompting some travellers to choose flights instead.
Marina and Céline travelled by plane from Madrid after their company decided a train would not get them to a Barcelona meeting on time.
A locomotive fire at Riclas, Zaragoza, has left the line operating with speed limits on the affected single-track section.
Corporate travel company Ávoris says some customers are changing, postponing or cancelling trips, but estimates the affected bookings at 10-15%.
Vueling increased flights on the route on October 5, while Iberia has capped some economy fares at €99.
- Who
- Travellers between Madrid and Barcelona, including business travellers, are considering or using flights instead of trains.
- What
- Rail delays and disruption are pushing some travellers to seek alternatives.
- When
- The article was published on October 15, 2026; the reported disruption followed a locomotive fire on the preceding Monday.
- Where
- The Madrid-Barcelona rail route, including the affected section at Riclas in Zaragoza.
- Why
- Delays and doubts about train punctuality have made some travellers concerned they will not arrive on time.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Vueling said it was adapting its offer again after previously doing so between February and March to reinforce transport options.
Vueling confirmed that its measures to increase flight options between Madrid and Barcelona would be permanent.
A locomotive fire at Riclas left the line operating with speed limits on the affected single-track section.
Vueling increased the frequency of flights on the Madrid-Barcelona air route.
El Mundo reported that travellers were turning to flights amid continued rail delays.
- Route
- Madrid-Barcelona
- Vueling flight-frequency increase
- October 5
- Iberia economy-fare cap
- €99
- Ávoris estimate of affected bookings
- 10-15%
- Fire location
- Riclas, Zaragoza
- Expected full reopening of Zaragoza tracks
- The following week, according to Adif
What people are saying
Right now the trains are not reliable. You know you will have to be patient and put up with whatever happens.
There was nothing by train that would arrive with enough time to spare. And since there are always lots of delays, we did not want to risk it.
I know when I leave my house but not when I will get back.
people looking for alternatives to the train; or postponing, bringing forward or even cancelling their trips