Spain’s vital high-speed rail corridor between Madrid and Andalucia is back in operation after weeks of disruption following the January 18 train disaster in Adamuz (Cordoba).
Operators Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo have confirmed the gradual restoration of services, bringing an end to a month of timetable changes, cancellations and replacement buses.
The reopening comes after Adif completed repair works and technical safety checks, including signalling tests, certifying that the infrastructure is once again safe for full operation.
Renfe restores key routes
Renfe has reinstated its high-speed services between Madrid and Sevilla, along with long-distance connections to Cadiz and Granada.
The Alvia service linking Madrid, Granada and Almeria has also resumed.
This means regular frequencies are returning on some of Andalucía’s most in-demand routes, restoring normality for thousands of passengers affected by the disruption.
The state operator says affected customers were offered ticket changes or full refunds at no extra cost during the suspension period.
Huelva and Malaga still partially affected
Not all services are fully back to normal, however.
The Madrid–Huelva route is currently operating partially. Trains run as far as Cordoba, with the onward section covered by replacement road transport.
Meanwhile, full service between Madrid and Malaga will not resume until early March due to delays in infrastructure works.
A special contingency plan remains in place, with passengers transferred by road between Antequera and Malaga following damage to a retaining wall on the line.
Iryo returns with full schedule
Private operator Iryo has restarted its Madrid–Sevilla high-speed services, operating 14 daily trains – seven in each direction.
It has also resumed its Barcelona-Sevilla connections, offering four daily services and reinforcing north-south links.
The company confirmed updated schedules are now available on its website and sales platforms. Senior executives travelled on the first reinstated service as part of the relaunch.
Ouigo operating at 75% capacity
Low-cost operator Ouigo has gradually reintroduced its services, with the first train departing Madrid’s Atocha station at 6:55am for Sevilla.
In the coming days, Ouigo expects to reach six daily services between Madrid and Sevilla. Once the Malaga line is fully operational again, it plans to offer up to six daily services there too, though this will drop to four services from Tuesday to Thursday.
For now, Ouigo is operating at around 75% of its pre-accident capacity, with 25% of frequencies still suspended. The company says the reduced timetable is designed to ensure a stable restart while adapting to maintenance needs and anticipated lower demand.
All affected passengers have been contacted, with 100% offered free rebooking or full refunds.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
