**Massive Power Outage Causes Disruption Across Spain and Portugal**

Authorities are working to restore electricity as travelers face canceled transportation and emergency services struggle.

A significant power outage swept through major regions of Spain and Portugal on Monday, leading to widespread chaos and severe disruption. Millions lost electricity as both phone and internet services faltered. The power loss resulted in the cancellation of trains and the evacuation of passengers in some provinces. Traffic lights shut down, causing extensive delays at airports, while shops, homes, and restaurants were plunged into darkness. Some individuals were trapped in elevators, and the Spanish electricity network indicated that power restoration could take several hours or even up to a week.

The outage started around midday (13:00 BST) and escalated rapidly. As the situation grew dire, authorities in Madrid advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, cautioning against calling emergency services unless absolutely necessary. Spain's electric operator estimated that the power could take up to ten hours to restore, as Portugal's REN projected a longer recovery period.

Queues formed at cash machines, since card payments were disrupted, and eyewitness accounts revealed some closed petrol stations. Hospitals in Spain activated emergency protocols, suspending routine services to manage the crisis effectively. By early evening, some areas reported power restoration, as efforts were underway to revive electricity across various regions.

The cause of the outage remains under investigation, though Portugal's Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, assured there were "no indications" of a cyber attack. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, echoed these sentiments, highlighting ongoing inquiries into the blackout's origin.

Transportation services, including flights, were notably affected. Delays and cancellations were reported at airports, with airlines like EasyJet advising passengers to stay updated via local channels. Businesses faced significant interruptions, with some IKEA locations in Spain reverting to backup generators and halting customer entry. The Madrid Open Tennis event was also canceled as a result of the power failures. While the blackout impacted several regions, the Balearic and Canary Islands remained unaffected.