Avalanche Blocks Andorra Road, Slashes Economy 70%
RN-20 closure at Pas de la Casa forces costly detours, spoiling French goods and cancelling tours amid ongoing disruption.
Key Points
- Logistics firms report 70% sales drop in French products due to spoilage risks and detours via Riu Runer.
- Group tours cancelled: 25% large European groups, 50% from Toulouse.
- Travel time from Toulouse up 4+ hours round trip, doubling prices with two drivers needed.
- No reopening update; impacts perishable goods, idle vehicles, higher fuel/labor costs.
The avalanche blocking the RN-20 road at Pas de la Casa continues to severely disrupt Andorra's economy, with logistics firms reporting a 70% drop in sales of French products. Transport companies must now reroute all shipments through the Riu Runer border crossing, incurring significant extra costs.
Businesses contacted by *Diari d'Andorra* described the impact as "very serious," particularly for perishable French goods at risk of spoiling due to delays. Essential deliveries without buffer stock face the highest strain, while vehicles remain idle without rotation. The detour adds logistical burdens, including higher fuel and labour expenses.
In the mobility sector, group tour cancellations are mounting. Daniel Vinseiro, CEO of Andbus, estimated that 25% of large groups from across Europe have pulled out, though most have been redirected via Barcelona Airport. For smaller groups typically from Toulouse, the figure rises to 50%.
The road closure extends travel times from Toulouse by over four hours for round trips, forcing operators to assign two drivers per journey. This has doubled service prices, deterring customers, Vinseiro said.
The disruption, ongoing since the avalanche, affects multiple sectors and shows no immediate resolution, with mid-term concerns over product expiry and stranded equipment. Authorities have not yet provided an update on reopening the Pas de la Casa route.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: