SPANISH high-speed open-access operator Iryo added Seville, Córdoba and Málaga to its network on March 31 with the launch of services from Madrid Atocha.

Trains are initially operating twice a day in each direction on both the Madrid - Seville and Madrid - Málaga routes, all calling at Córdoba, where the routes to Seville and Málaga diverge.

Iryo says that the service frequency will gradually be increased until June 2, when there will be six trains in each direction on the Madrid - Seville route and five in each direction on the Madrid - Málaga route.

From June 2 two trains a day will also call at Antequera Santa Ana, between Córdoba and Málaga.

Iryo says that its services to these new destinations in Andalucía will carry around 2.5 million passengers a year over the coming years, generating tourist income of around €350m a year.

The company says it has so far employed 60 people within the Andalucía region.

Onboard catering includes at-seat meals in three of the four classes of travel offered by Iryo. Photo Credit: Iryo

Iryo started operation on November 25 2022 from Madrid to Zaragoza and Barcelona, followed on December 16 2022 by services from Madrid to Valencia and Cuenca.

From June 2 it will operate from Madrid to Albacete and Alicante, and from June 15 Iryo services will also call at Camp de Tarragona on the Madrid - Barcelona route.

“A fortnight before the 31st anniversary of the opening of Spain’s first high-speed line between Madrid and Seville, we are once again making history,” said Iryo president, Mr Carlos Bertomeu.

“I am very proud to be part of this great project that is Iryo and which, thanks to the work of the whole team, has enabled us to break for the first time the railway monopoly in Andalucía.”

Avlo

National operator Renfe has announced it will be introducing low-cost Avlo services on the Madrid - Seville and Madrid - Málaga lines on June 1.

There will be one service in each direction per day on both routes, leaving Seville and Málaga early in the morning and returning from Madrid in the afternoon.

The Avlo services will call at all intermediate stations, namely Antequera Santa Ana and Puente Genil between Málaga and Córdoba, as well as Villanueva de Córdoba, Puertollano and Ciudad Real between Córdoba and Madrid.

Each Avlo train has a total of 436 seats plus two spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. Bookings will open on April 12 for travel in Avlo’s single class, Basic.

An in-depth interview with Iryo CEO, Mr Simone Gorini, appeared in our December issue.