Travel chaos as flights and trains cancelled in Spain and Portugal over power outage

A POWER outage across Spain and Portugal has resulted in flight cancellations at a number of airports, as well as huge delays and train station closures. Red Eléctrica, Spain's national grid operator, confirmed that the system failure was across the entire peninsula. 3 A power outage across Spain and Portugal has seen flights cancelled and delayed Credit: Alamy 3 Metro stations have been left in darkness and forced to close Credit: X This includes blackouts across Madrid, Seville, Malaga and Barcelona, as well as Lisbon and the Algarve and some southern areas of France.

Spanish airport operator Aena confirmed that Madrid's Barajas Airport has been hit the hardest, with flight cancellations and delays. And the main airport in Barcelona, while still operational, has seen delays in baggage claim, with huge waits for passengers and some even leaving their suitcases behind. Across Portugal, Lisbon Airport is also reporting operational outages at the check in desks.

Read more on travel rights HOL-D ON Latest travel rules for Brits heading to US as tourists stopped at the border PAIN IN SPAIN Outrage over new Spain rules that will make holidays 'much more complicated' Even in France, Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport has temporarily suspended some operations. It has also affected a huge number of train lines, with some going down entirely. One person said on social media: "The entire Metro network (including the electricity) and traffic lights in central Madrid just went down .

"They made us leave...

and the mobile network performance is also very poor." Most read in News Travel FLIGHT DELIGHT Scots airport announces exciting Chinese route all year round AIR WE GO Cheapest destinations to fly to from six UK airports including Spain & Greece TRUE BLUE Spain's 'Blue Village' that used to be known for Smurf mascots FLIGHT DELIGHT Scots airport 'in talks' to DOUBLE daily service to popular destination A spokesperson for the metro line said on social media: "At this time, the service on the Madrid commuter network is out of service due to a power outage." The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot said in regards to train delays or cancellations: "Under EU rail regulations, if the delay or cancellation means you will arrive in your final destination more than an hour delayed you have the right to choose between: A refund of your ticket within 30 days and a return journey to your initial point of departure if the cancelled train prevents you from fulfilling the purpose of your trip.

Continue or re-routing your journey to reach your final destination at the earliest opportunity at no extra cost. Continue or re-route your journey at a later date of your choosing at no additional cost. This includes includes alternative transport to get you to your final destination if the service is suspended.

Food and drink depending on the length of the delay." Red Eléctrica said that "the causes are being analysed and all resources are being dedicated to resolving it". 3 Tourists were forced to leave the Madrid Open Credit: connorjoyceb What does it mean for your flight? The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in.

THE massive power outage across Spain and Portugal has thrown transport networks into chaos. With Madrid’s international airport closed, flights are being delayed and could potentially be cancelled if the power cut goes on for a significant period. While there is no compensation due to consumers for delays or cancellations as the chaos is outside of any airline’s control, they do have a duty of care.

If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, your airline should be providing you with food and drink - sometimes in the form of vouchers - as well as access to phone calls or emails. If you are delayed overnight, accommodation and transport to and from the airport should also be provided. With a sudden incident such as this, it may be necessary to pay for essentials but make sure you keep all receipts and keep any purchases reasonable.

If your flight is cancelled, your airline has to get you to your destination as quickly as possible - and by any means necessary, even if that means on a different airline’s flight. However, practically in situations where thousands are impacted, it may be that you have to make your own arrangements - again, make sure your expenses are reasonable and will get you to your destination within a reasonable amount of time. Keep ALL receipts.

You are also entitled to a full refund but remember, if you choose this option, you are on your own and the airline is not responsible for getting you home. More to follow..

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