Long delays on the Barcelona-Madrid AVE high-speed train: "We don't know when we'll be able to resume service"

Barcelona"I'm informing you that we're stopped. We'll resume shortly, but we don't know when. We're stopped due to traffic on the network and the snow. And also due to structural problems." This message, issued a few minutes ago by a driver of a high-speed train stopped between Barcelona and Madrid, reflects the chaos being experienced on the AVE high-speed rail lines in recent hours. This chaos adds to the disruption experienced in recent days on the Cercanías commuter rail network. Furthermore, flights departing from Madrid this Friday are also experiencing delays due to the snowstorm.

Right now, according to Renfe sources, AVE trains are taking between one and two hours longer to complete the Barcelona-Madrid journey. This means the trip can take more than five hours. There are several reasons for this situation. According to Adif sources, various speed restrictions have been implemented in recent days on some sections of track, slowing the pace of trains. These limitations are linked to track inspections being carried out by operators since the tragic train accidents in Córdoba and Gelida. But this Wednesday, the snowstorm blanketing central Spain has added to the problem. Especially on the Zaragoza-Madrid line, trains are having to travel even slower due to the snow. The same is true on the approach to Madrid, one of the storm's epicenters. For example, on some sections where trains could travel at 300 km/h, they are having to reduce their speed to 230 km/h. Several passengers are expressing outrage at the long journey times between the two cities. One passenger lamented that it took her six hours to get to Madrid from Barcelona on Tuesday. Other passengers boarded a high-speed train at 7:00 a.m. this Wednesday and are still stuck halfway there. The driver's explanation is unclear, and minutes are ticking by despite his promise of an immediate resumption of service. Delays at Barajas Airport

High-speed train delays between Barcelona and Madrid are compounding a complicated situation at Barajas Airport. All of this is making travel between the two cities expensive. Aena, the Spanish airport authority, indicated that operations at Madrid's airport are slowing down due to the snowstorm. Cleaning crews are working on one of the four runways, and de-icing operations are underway on aircraft, causing flight delays. Aena is currently advising passengers to check with their airlines for flight status in the coming hours. The paralysis, however, is not only affecting travel this Wednesday. Trains are running slowly, and there are fewer and fewer flights between Barcelona and Madrid in the coming hours. Vueling is currently not accepting ticket purchases until Friday.