TRAVEL chaos has swept Spain’s rail network after Renfe cancelled 320 trains, hitting the country as the summer holiday season gets underway.
The Sindicato Ferroviario union called the 24-hour strike for June 29, with the just minimum services operating across the network.
High-speed and long-distance trains are running at 73%, with 262 services operating today instead of the usual full complement. More than one in four has been axed.
Cercanias commuter lines have been cut more deeply, running at just 50% through most of the day — meaning only one in two trains is operating.
Services climb to 75% during the three peak windows only: 6am to 9am, 1.30pm to 4pm, and 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Medium-distance trains are running at approximately 65%, with roughly one in three services cancelled.
Passengers can board the next available train at no extra charge, or cancel their ticket and claim a full refund through Renfe’s normal booking channels.
But the disruption will not end today. The Sindicato Ferroviario has already called a second 24-hour strike for July 15, again timed to fall as families across Spain begin their summer breaks.
The dispute centres on the future of Renfe Mercancias, the freight arm of the national operator.
The union accuses management of engineering a deliberate running-down of the service ahead of a proposed joint venture with Medway, part of shipping giant MSC.
It claims agreements struck with the Ministry of Transport in November 2023 and March 2025 on workers’ conditions have not been honoured.
With a second walkout locked in for July 15 and the dispute unresolved, this summer’s rail timetables come with no guarantees.
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