Heavy rains sweeping through Malaga have led to significant disruptions in transportation, impacting train services and road networks in the region.
With a red warning in effect for rain in Malaga’s Axarquía, Costa del Sol, and Guadalhorce areas, authorities have suspended major train routes and issued advisories for travelers.
Train Services Suspended
The severe weather conditions have forced the suspension of the Malaga-Seville medium-distance rail service, which connects Malaga, Antequera, and Seville. This announcement was made by Oscar Puente, Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, on social media. The suspension took effect at 10:45 a.m., affecting trains scheduled to depart from Seville at 11:18 a.m. and Malaga at 1:24 p.m.
Puente emphasized the need for caution, stating, “There is never too much caution. If you are cautious and make a mistake, you’ve only lost a few hours. But if you’re right, you may have saved lives.”
In a recent update, Puente also announced that services between Malaga and Madrid have been suspended due to the adverse weather. This precautionary measure underscores the severity of the red alert as authorities prioritize passenger safety.
Road Closures and Minimal Traffic
Several roads in the Malaga province have also been closed due to rain-induced hazards. The A-355 near Coín and the A-7054 as it passes through Malaga remain closed between certain kilometers due to flooding. Additionally, the A-7286 near Campillos is closed in both directions, with authorities advising motorists to avoid travel in these areas.
Typically busy routes are experiencing minimal traffic as residents heed warnings to stay off the roads. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, with additional road closures possible if the rain persists.
Malaga Airport Operations Remain Stable
Despite the severe rain, Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport remains operational for the time being. Scheduled flights, including 149 arrivals and 147 departures, are proceeding as planned, according to Aena. However, airport staff are on high alert, with additional personnel deployed to monitor runways, public transport access, and water accumulation on the grounds.
A crisis committee, including representatives from airport management, airlines, the State Meteorological Agency, and local security forces, is meeting periodically to evaluate conditions. Any operational changes will be based on real-time assessments of weather impacts.
Malaga Metro Affected
The Malaga Metro service has also been impacted by the weather. On Line 1, service is only partially available, running between the Barbarela and Andalucía Tech stations. Line 2, however, has been temporarily suspended. Authorities have yet to announce when full service might resume, as they continue to monitor weather conditions.
The EMT has suspended the urban bus service in Malaga due to heavy rains that have already flooded several areas of the city.
Precautionary Measures Taken
In addition to suspending rail services, the railway company Renfe clarified that this was a proactive decision based on weather forecasts, even though infrastructure had not yet been damaged. Similarly, enhanced measures are being implemented across Malaga’s transportation hubs to ensure public safety. Airport maintenance teams are conducting frequent inspections, while information and signaling services are actively monitoring potential water buildup in key areas.
The ongoing red alert for rain and flooding in Malaga has created a dynamic situation. Authorities advise residents and travelers to stay updated on announcements and heed all advisories to avoid any hazards. For those planning to travel in or around Malaga, checking transportation schedules and road conditions is crucial, as additional disruptions may occur if weather conditions worsen.