Tourism boss fears Malaga rail chaos will cost 'millions'

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Regional minister Arturo Bernal slams Madrid over "glacial" repairs to high-speed lines as the Costa del Sol faces a 30% hotel occupancy collapse

Ignacio Lillo

Málaga

Tuesday, 10 March 2026, 16:24

Malaga’s Easter Week tourist season is hanging by a thread as a row erupts between regional and national leaders over the state of the province's railways.

Arturo Bernal, Andalucía’s Minister of Tourism, has warned that the "paralysis" of high-speed rail links could trigger a financial catastrophe for the local hospitality sector.

At a glance: What effects will the Malaga rail crisis have?

• THE LOSS: An estimated €190m–€200m in tourism revenue is at risk this Easter.

• VACANT ROOMS: Hotel occupancy could fall by 25–30% due to transport uncertainty.

• THE CAUSE: Ongoing repairs following the January 18 train crash in Adamuz.

• THE WARNING: Tourists are unlikely to accept "bus alternatives" for holiday travel and may book elsewhere.

• GLOBAL IMPACT: Ongoing Middle East conflict and airspace closures are adding further pressure to international flight arrivals.

The crisis follows the Adamuz train crash on 18 January, which has left Malaga lagging behind Seville and Cordoba in the race to reconnect with Madrid.

While other cities are back on track, Bernal claims work in Malaga is not "progressing at a good pace," leaving domestic tourists - who make up the bulk of Easter visitors - facing bus replacements or choosing rival destinations instead.

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