Iberia increased this Wednesday by 20% the seat offer on its routes with Andalusia, which means 520 additional seats, after adding two more flights and increasing the capacity on two others already planned through the use of larger aircraft. In parallel, Air Europa has launched from today one extra daily flight to Málaga and Sevilla.
Both companies have pointed out to Europa Press that these measures are being adopted to support passenger transport, which has been highly affected following the railway accident in Urda (Toledo) between an AVE train and another from Iryo.
For this Thursday, Iberia will operate three additional flights that are added to its regular schedule with Andalusia, with the aim of improving connections between Madrid and the cities of Málaga and Sevilla. Specifically, two round-trip flights with Málaga and one round-trip with Sevilla have been planned.
Iberia’s reinforcement includes a new frequency between Madrid and Málaga for today, departing from the capital at 20.00 hours and returning from Málaga at 22.00 hours. In addition, the capacity of two already planned flights has been increased, one bound for Sevilla and another for Málaga, by replacing the aircraft initially assigned with Airbus A321 planes instead of A319 and A320neo, respectively.
Another action by the airline consists of setting maximum prices on all its flights originating in or destined for Andalusia until next November 8, so that tickets do not exceed 99 euros per leg in economy class and 149 euros in "Business" fare.
Likewise, it has introduced flexible conditions for travelers who had planned to fly and whose trip has been affected by the incident. To process changes to their reservations, customers can use the phone number 900 111 500.
The company has also indicated that it is working to increase its capacity again in the coming days.
As for Air Europa, its reinforcement plan also contemplates the option of adding two extra flights to Sevilla, depending on demand needs.
Regarding the railway operators, both Renfe and Iryo have put their emergency and victim assistance protocols into operation. Renfe has activated its crisis headquarters and the Assistance Plan for Victims of Railway Accidents and Their Relatives, and has enabled the free phone number 900 10 10 20 for affected people and their relatives.
Renfe has also organized a shuttle service between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Puertollano to guarantee the mobility of users. These trains depart from track 4 of Atocha Cercanías with five frequencies toward Ciudad Real and Puertollano, scheduled for 14.00, 16.30, 18.00, 20.00 and 22.30 hours.
For its part, Iryo has made available to those affected the assistance number 900 001 403 to facilitate data inquiries and offer the necessary help.
The railway accident in Urda would have occurred at 8,54 hours this Wednesday, when the AVE train 2080, which had departed from Madrid bound for Sevilla, collided with the Iryo train 6076 that was traveling ahead, causing the derailment of the last two cars of the Iryo convoy.