Lisbon experienced a severe blackout yesterday as power went down across Portugal, Spain, and parts of France.
The cause of the blackout is still unknown, but two “disconnection events” in south-west Spain are being suggested as the possible origin.
Despite early speculation, a cyberattack has been ruled out by Spanish and Portuguese officials.
Speaking to CNN earlier today, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro said: “In Portugal, we have no information on anything that has to do with a cyberattack or some type of aggression.”
Leitão Amaro said that the problem was in Spain’s electrical network, not Portugal’s, and any investigation must happen there.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told a press conference earlier today that they have set up an investigative commission, and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
As of right now, Portugal is running entirely on nationally produced power, according to Leitão Amarao.
Trams, aka ‘eléctricos’ stopped on roads across Lisbon. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
The Lisbon metro closed and was evacuated in a short time. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams, aka eléctricos, came to a standstill as the power went out. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
Trains ground to a halt as power failed. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty.
The blackout lasted roughly 10 hours in Lisbon and caused the metro, trains, and trams to shut down across the city.
Passengers were quickly evacuated from the Lisbon metro, but many more were trapped on trains and in elevators across the Iberian Peninsula.
Portuguese airports were also badly affected, with almost 100 departing flights completely cancelled.
Buses were still operating, but with no other transport available, large queues soon formed at many of the central stops.
Traffic lights failed, and despite intermittent police direction, cars soon stood bumper to bumper along many of Lisbon’s streets.
Rossio train station, normally packed with tourists, came to a standstill. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
People wait outside their place of work on Avenida da Liberdade. Offices and businesses were evacuated across the city. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
People queue for a bus in Praça Dom Pedro IV. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
People queue for cash at an ATM in the Baixa neighbourhood of Lisbon. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty.
Mobile internet and phone service lasted for a short time before going offline for most people in the early afternoon.
Numerous businesses evacuated when power was lost and remained closed throughout the day, leaving some commuters to walk home.
But many shops, cafes, and restaurants kept running in the dark – and were quickly patronized by now-free office workers.
An ice cream shop in the Chiado neighbourhood in Lisbon. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
Shoppers in Aldi carry on almost as normal as workers scan goods in the dark. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
Lunch continues as normal in one Lisbon cafe. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty.
With card machines inoperable, cash was at a premium, and long queues formed at ATMs throughout the day and into the night.
Despite the difficulties and some serious incidents in Spain and Portugal, the mood in Lisbon was generally convivial.
Excitement at the unusual rather than fear of the unknown was the tone of many conversations.
Pink Street in downtown Lisbon was subdued but busy. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
People gather during the Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
People dine in the dark in the Santos neighbourhood of Lisbon. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
Cash points remained busy into the night. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty. 
People celebrate the return of power in downtown Lisbon. Lisbon blackout 2025. Photo by Eden Flaherty.
And while it may have reminded some people to stock up their emergency kits, most Lisboetas and visitors seemed to be using the time offline to enjoy one of the few sunny days Lisbon’s had this year.
Power was eventually restored late last night, and people cheered from apartment windows, bars, and the streets as lights turned on across the city.
