- The Spanish government has introduced temporary limits on prices of flights and alternative transport
- The measure follows the Urda train accident
- The price cap runs from 4 to 10 November 2026
- Businesses cannot charge more than the highest price offered in the 30 days prior
- Any overcharges must be automatically refunded
The Spanish government has implemented temporary price caps on alternative transport and accommodation following the fatal high-speed train accident in Urda on 28 October 2026, which cut off the Madrid-Seville and Madrid-Andalusia rail lines. The Council of Ministers approved Real Decreto-ley 32/2026, which went into effect on 4 November 2026. Businesses are barred from charging more than the highest price offered in the 30 days prior to the emergency, and any overcharges must be automatically refunded.
The emergency cap initially runs from 4 to 10 November 2026, with the possibility of extension by the Council of Ministers. The move follows complaints of ticket and hotel rates multiplying up to 8 or 9 times normal levels due to high demand from stranded passengers.
Price caps on commercial flights apply subject to explicit authorisation from the European Commission where EU free-pricing laws are involved. Iberia voluntarily capped its one-way economy fares between Madrid and Andalusia at €99 and business class at €149 through 8 November 2026, while adding over 1,000 extra seats. Air Europa similarly injected extra daily flight capacity. Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned on 4 November, and the government approved a €30m victim aid package.
