Transport Minister Óscar Puente explains repair challenges for the Álora landslide that suspended the Madrid-Málaga AVE since February 4. Reopening is delayed until late April, impacting Easter Week and sparking disputes over economic loss figures. The PP criticizes the government and proposes an air bridge.
A landslide on February 4 in Álora, Málaga, caused by rains, interrupted the high-speed (AVE) line between Madrid and Málaga. Adif has delayed reopening several times: initially February 28, then March 24, and now until late April. Renfe currently offers an alternative service to Antequera by train and bus to Málaga until March 23, used by 3,000 people daily, but no tickets are available from March 24 due to reorganization of existing bookings, according to the company. Ouigo and Iryo do not operate until the direct line is restored. Transport Minister Óscar Puente posted a video on X explaining that 75 workers and 23 machines operate 24 hours a day, but space limits further intervention: “The possibilities are what they are: they are limited by physics.” He criticized the PP for manipulation and noted the Junta took seven months to repair a road to Ronda. Last year, 66,656 passengers used the Madrid-Málaga AVE during Easter Week. The Costa del Sol Hoteliers Association (Aehcos) estimates 300 million euros in direct losses and 1.300 million indirect, per president José Luque in a meeting, though the association denies officially communicating it. The Junta de Andalucía, led by Juan Manuel Moreno, repeats the 1.300 million figure, but alternative reports question it: a University of Málaga study calculates 394 million for Easter in the capital, and eldiario.es estimates about 20 million just for train-arriving tourists. The PP, with Elías Bendodo and Francisco Salado, proposes an air bridge with fixed prices, more plane capacity, and toll removal, calling the situation a “ruin” and the “biggest crisis” for Costa del Sol. The Junta is studying legal action for damage to the “Málaga brand.” Government subdelegate Javier Salas called PP figures “vultures,” prompting replies. The Málaga Press Association criticized Puente for disparaging journalists.
