Spain: Rail disruptions reported due to ongoing protests in Catalonia October 16 /update 2

Event

Train service on the AVE servicing Barcelona and Girona are disrupted as of 06:40 (local time) on Wednesday, October 16. The service's fiber optics suffered damage due to vandalism associated with the protests. It is not clear as to when service will be restored. R1 and RG1 tram services have also been interrupted. Long distance trains servicing both cities remain in service and can be used as an alternate method. Protests are expected to continue, possibly prompting further transportation disruptions. Flight delays and cancellations also remain possible at Barcelona's El-Prat Airport (BCN), as additional demonstrations are expected over the coming days.

Additional protests are scheduled in the Catalonia region over the coming days. Students are slated to hold a 72-hour strike starting on Wednesday, including protests on Thursday, October 17, starting at 12:00 (local time) in Barcelona at Plaça de la Universitat, Tarragona at Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco, and in Girona at Plaça del 1 de Octubre. Another protest is scheduled on Friday, October 18, at Barcelona's Plaça de la Universitat as of 12:00. On Friday, the Intersindical-CSC and the Intersindical Alternativa de Catalunya (IAC) unions have scheduled a protest at the Supreme Tribunal of Barcelona; the time of the planned protest was not immediately announced.

A heightened security presence and lingering transportation disruptions are to be expected over the coming hours in Barcelona; associated demonstrations throughout the region may result in disruptions to transportation and business over the coming days. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests have been ongoing since October 1, to mark the two-year anniversary of a failed independence referendum scheduled in Catalonia in 2017. Several Catalan activists were put on trial for their involvement in the referendum, which Madrid deemed illegal. On October 14, the Supreme Court sentenced nine of them to between nine and 13 years in prison, prompting mass protests in Barcelona and other cities across Catalonia.

On October 15, protesters blocked several roads and highways and clashed violently with riot police. Six activists have been arrested, while 170 people - including 40 police officers - have been injured in the protests.

Advice

Individuals in Catalonia, and traveling via BCN, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, confirm their flight reservations, anticipate delays and cancelations, plan additional travel time, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.