Madrid-Málaga AVE to Resume April 30 After Three Months of Landslide Disruption

Three Months of Disruption — Nearly Over

Passengers travelling between Madrid and Málaga will finally be able to board a direct high-speed train again from Thursday, April 30 at 12:00pm, after almost three months of disruption caused by a landslide that blocked the line in early February.

The Railway Infrastructure Administrator, Adif, confirmed the resumption of AVE services following an enormous engineering operation to clear and stabilise the affected section of track. The reopening ends an ordeal for thousands of daily passengers who have endured lengthy diversions involving bus transfers since the closure began.

What Caused the Disruption

Heavy rainfall in early February triggered a landslide near Álora, a small town in the Málaga province, that buried a section of the high-speed rail track on February 4. The scale of the damage was significant enough to force a complete closure of the Madrid-Málaga AVE line — one of Spain's busiest and most economically important rail corridors.

During the closure, passengers faced a frustrating alternative: travelling by rail to Antequera, then transferring to a bus for the disrupted section, before continuing by train — adding considerable time and inconvenience to every journey.

The Scale of the Repair Work

Restoring the line was no small undertaking. The operation involved:

• Round-the-clock working across three daily shifts for the duration of the repair
• Moving approximately 200,000 tonnes of earth to clear the debris and stabilise the terrain
• Engineering works designed to reduce the risk of future landslides in the same area

Transport Minister Óscar Puente acknowledged the extraordinary effort involved: "It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of the work undertaken in Álora," he stated, emphasising just how significant the engineering challenge had been.

Single Track Initially — Some Delays Expected

When services resume on April 30, trains will run on a single track through the restored section while further repair work continues through the summer and beyond. Passengers should be aware that this may mean some journey times are slightly longer than normal, and timetabling will need to accommodate the reduced capacity of single-track operation.

However, even with these limitations, the resumption of direct services eliminates the bus transfer and provides significantly more predictable journey times than the disrupted alternative has offered over the past three months.

What It Means for the Costa del Sol

The Madrid-Málaga AVE is more than a commuter line — it is a vital artery for the Costa del Sol economy. The route carries tourists, business travellers, weekend visitors and residents connecting the capital with one of Spain's most popular coastal destinations. Three months of disruption has had a measurable impact on visitor numbers and business activity in the region.

The restoration of full direct services — even in initial single-track form — will be welcomed by hotels, restaurants, retailers and the broader tourism industry along the Costa del Sol, as the summer season approaches.

Key Details for Travellers

• Services resume: Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 12:00pm
• Route: Madrid – Málaga (direct, no bus transfer)
• Note: Single-track operation through the Álora section initially — allow extra time and check your specific train's schedule
• Book via: Renfe's website or app for up-to-date timetables and availability

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 23, 2026. Timetables and service details are subject to change — check Renfe's official channels before travelling.