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Málaga AVE line to stay closed through Holy Week as reopening pushed back to late April
Tourism leaders warn the disruption could cost the Costa del Sol hundreds of millions during one of the busiest periods of the year
Passengers hoping the high-speed rail connection between Madrid and Málaga would be restored before Easter have received disappointing news this week. The president of Spain’s rail infrastructure manager Adif, Pedro Marco de la Peña, has confirmed that the AVE line will not reopen before the final week of April, meaning the disruption will continue throughout Holy Week.The delay represents a further setback after earlier expectations that services could resume around Monday March 23. The line between Madrid and Málaga has been interrupted since January after a series of incidents including a train accident in Adamuz and later a landslide near Álora caused by heavy rain.
For now, passengers travelling between Málaga and the capital must still complete part of the journey by road. Travellers are transported by bus between Málaga and the Antequera-Santa Ana station, where they can then continue by train to Madrid.
The announcement has sparked concern among business leaders and regional authorities, particularly because it coincides with the run-up to Holy Week, one of the most important tourist events of the year in Málaga. A study by the Chair of Brotherhood Studies at the University of Málaga previously estimated that the celebrations generate almost €400 million for the city alone.
Tourism representatives now warn that the wider economic impact across the Costa del Sol could reach €1.3 billion when indirect losses are included, affecting hotels, restaurants, transport services and employment.
The Andalusian regional government has also reacted strongly to the delay. Tourism minister Arturo Bernal warned that the situation would have serious consequences for the region’s economy, saying, “Holy Week is now definitively lost.” He added that projected losses for Málaga and the Costa del Sol could amount to between €190 million and €200 million.
Other officials have echoed the criticism. Economy minister Carolina España described the delay as “a disaster for many self-employed workers, many businesses and for employment,” while also warning that bookings during the holiday period could fall by between 25 and 30%.
Local leaders have also voiced their frustration. Málaga mayor Francisco de la Torre admitted the announcement “is not good news” for the city and urged the authorities responsible for the repairs to shorten the construction timetable as much as possible.
The disruption has already been ongoing for weeks and pressure has been mounting on the central government to resolve the issue quickly. Regional officials had previously warned they might consider legal action if the rail link was not restored before Easter.
With the reopening now expected no earlier than late April, the interruption of one of Spain’s key high-speed rail routes is set to continue well into the spring, prolonging uncertainty for travellers and businesses alike.
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