Yes I realise it’s still a long time away and that changes are possible but Spain’s media reports that Iryo will launch on November 25.
This news is significant because when Iryo launches Spain will be able to boast the world’s most competitive domestic high-speed (HS) rail market.
As we have reported many times over the past few years Spain is the only country to open its borders to foreign rail competition.
It means Iryo, a member of ALLRAIL (a body representing new rail entrants) will be competing against Renfe’s Avlo and SNCF’s Ouigo ES.
Iryo is backed by Trenitalia and Air Nostrum.
It will be operating a fleet of Italian Frecciarossa 1000 trainsets with initial HS routes expected to be Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valencia.
Rail regulator Adif has approved Iryo’s entry to the Spanish market. Its drivers are currently undergoing training.
Readers wishing to know more about Avlo and Ouigo ES can find the information within this piece we published in 2021.
Finally I must stress that Iryo has yet to announce its schedules, fares and what sort of onboard service will be offered.
