This story was first reported by Metropoliabierta.
High-speed AVE services between Barcelona and Madrid will not be suspended during planned line renovation works, the Spanish government has confirmed. According to Metropoliabierta, which reported the announcement on Monday 9th November 2026, First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated the Madrid–Barcelona corridor would remain fully operational.
Cuerpo, who now oversees Transport following Óscar Puente’s resignation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining one of Spain’s busiest rail routes. “This is the opinion given by our technical teams,” he said, arriving at the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels. “We believe it’s important to send a signal of confidence in the country’s most important passenger line.”
Efforts to Avert Rodalies Strikes
The announcement comes amid ongoing industrial action affecting Catalonia’s commuter rail network, Rodalies (regional commuter trains). Retrasos generalizados (widespread delays) were reported on Monday due to operational issues linked to driver management, Renfe sources told Metropoliabierta.
Unions Semaf and Alferro have called for strikes on Tuesday 10th and Thursday 12th November, with minimum services set at 66% during peak hours. The government is in talks with Semaf to address safety and working condition demands, having exchanged draft proposals over the weekend.
“The priority is to advance on their demands,” Cuerpo said, noting “important progress” in last week’s talks and expressing hope the negotiations would ease upcoming stoppages.
Commuters should expect continued disruptions on Rodalies ahead of and during the strike days. Passengers are advised to check Renfe’s official website for real-time updates before travel.
Sources: Metrópoli.
