With just days to go before one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Iberia Group—comprising Iberia, Iberia Express, and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum—has announced a significant capacity increase for Easter Week 2025. The group will offer a total of 1,087,599 seats across 6,672 scheduled flights between Friday, April 11 and Monday, April 21.This major expansion aims to meet the high travel demand typically seen during this holiday period in Spain, Europe, and Latin America. To accommodate travelers, Iberia is boosting frequencies on key high-demand European routes. Athens will see an increase of five extra flights, while Venice and Budapest each gain three additional services. Rome will have two extra frequencies, and Milan, Prague, and Vienna will each get one additional flight.Beyond these reinforcements, Iberia Group has identified several other popular destinations during Easter, including major European capitals like Paris and London, U.S. cities such as New York and Boston, and key Latin American hubs like Buenos Aires and São Paulo. The Canary Islands remain the top domestic choice for Spanish travelers seeking a holiday getaway.Víctor Moneo, Global Sales Director at Iberia, commented on the Easter operations: “Easter is one of the most dynamic travel periods, marked by intense demand over a short time frame. That’s why we’ve chosen to significantly boost capacity, offering a record number of seats to the most sought-after destinations, ensuring our passengers enjoy greater flexibility and comfort.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37688,37647" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>This special Easter schedule also aligns with the beginning of the IATA summer season, which officially started on March 30. Iberia has outlined a growth-oriented summer, especially on routes between Europe and Latin America, where it will offer 3.2 million seats, a 4% increase compared to summer 2024. For short- and medium-haul routes, capacity will remain strong at 16 million seats, similar to last year’s levels.

Iberia Group to Operate Nearly 6,700 Flights for Easter 2025 Travel Surge

Aena, Spain’s airport operator, confirmed on Tuesday that it is maintaining its 2025 passenger traffic growth forecast at 3.4%, which would bring the total number of users across its Spanish airport network to 320 million. The projection is based on slot booking data for the summer high season, which ends in October, as well as current airline fleet capacity constraints.Maurici Lucena, Aena’s Chairman and CEO, stated during the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting held in Madrid that the forecast was developed in a context of uncertainty. “We are well aware of the current difficulties in modeling future economic scenarios and assigning probabilities to them,” he said. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the available data and operational forecasts support the company’s outlook for the year.<h3>Record Passenger Traffic in 2024 and International Growth</h3>In 2024, Aena posted record passenger volumes. The company reported that its directly managed airports—46 in Spain, 2 heliports, London Luton Airport, and 17 airports in Brazil—served nearly 370 million passengers, averaging over one million travelers per day. Including minority stakes in 12 airports in Mexico, 2 in Jamaica, and 1 in Colombia, the total rises to 440 million passengers.Financially, Aena closed 2024 with a consolidated net profit of €1.934 billion, up 18.6% from the previous year. EBITDA reached €3.51 billion, and total revenues amounted to €5.83 billion, according to figures shared at the shareholders' meeting.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/maurici_lucena_ceo_de_aena.jpg" alt="Maurici Lucena - CEO de Aena"><figcaption>Maurici Lucena - CEO of Aena</figcaption></figure>These results led to the approval of the largest dividend in the company’s history, at €9.76 gross per share, marking a 27.4% increase year-over-year. The meeting also approved a 10-to-1 stock split, lowering the nominal share value from €10 to €1, aimed at encouraging investment from smaller shareholders.<h3>Capacity Reaching Its Limits and Expansion Plans</h3>Lucena highlighted that, due to the unexpected surge in traffic in recent years, several airports in Spain are approaching their operational limits. Aena has identified the need for expansion projects at key facilities including Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Tenerife North-Ciudad de La Laguna, Tenerife South, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Valencia, and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, among others.These projects are part of a long-term strategy to anticipate demand. “Aena is thoroughly preparing to manage an investment wave comparable only to that of the 2000s,” Lucena said. The company is currently working on the third Airport Regulation Document (DORA) for the 2027–2031 period, with the final proposal expected in 2026 following consultation with airlines.<h3>International Expansion: London and São Paulo</h3>On the international front, Aena announced that the UK government has approved the expansion of London Luton Airport, increasing its capacity from 19 to 32 million passengers annually. Aena manages Luton under a concession until 2032 and aims to lead the expansion process, pending agreement with the Luton Borough Council, the airport's owner.In Brazil, the focus is on the expansion of Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, which Aena describes as its most significant international project to date. In late 2024, Aena awarded contracts for mandatory investments across the 11 airports included in the BOAB concession. In total, the company will invest around 6.4 billion Brazilian reais across the 17 airports it manages in Brazil.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="34292" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Aena also celebrated the fifth anniversary of Aena Brasil in 2024, marking the completion of the Northeast Brazil Airport (ANB) renovation plan, delivered on time and as planned.<h3>Environmental Commitments and Net-Zero Targets</h3>On the sustainability front, Aena reported major progress under its 2021–2030 Climate Action Plan, including joining the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which provides scientific validation of its short- and long-term emissions reduction targets.The company has already achieved a 70% reduction in direct emissions compared to 2019, eliminating the need for offsetting. It also reported a 40% drop in natural gas consumption, thanks to the adoption of aerothermal systems and biofuels.Aena continues to advance its photovoltaic plan, which aims to supply 51% of its 2019 energy consumption from self-generated solar power by 2029. Ten airports currently have grid access and connection rights secured for this purpose.<h3>Changes to the Board of Directors</h3>The meeting also approved changes to the Board of Directors. The voluntary departure of Irene Cano was followed by the appointment of economist Ramon Tremosa i Balcells as an independent director. Additionally, Javier Marín, Juan Río, Jaime Terceiro, and Amancio López were re-elected for another four-year term, with the latter two continuing as independent directors.&nbsp;

Aena Maintains 2025 Passenger Growth Forecast at 3.4%, Eyes 320 Million Travelers

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has become the first major airport in the world to implement a remote driving system for all its passenger boarding bridges, also known as jet bridges or fingers, according to Aena during the opening of the Passenger Terminal Expo &amp; Conference, held in the Spanish capital from April 8 to 10.The system, developed by TK Airport Solutions, allows for the remote operation of the airport’s 129 boarding bridges from three control centers located in terminals T123, T4, and T4S. The operation has been validated by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) and, according to Aena, includes contingency procedures and control mechanisms to ensure service efficiency.The implementation, carried out between June 2024 and February 2025, was executed progressively with the collaboration of airlines and ground handling agents. From the control centers, any jet bridge can be operated thanks to 17 strategically distributed workstations, which, as Aena notes, allows operations to continue even in the event of an incident.Aena claims that remote operation enhances operational efficiency, reduces aircraft connection and disconnection times, and optimizes resource allocation. The system also increases operational safety by incorporating cameras that provide full visibility of the surroundings, making the technical staff’s work easier.“Aena is set to undertake the most significant airport investment program in Europe and the world in the coming years,” said Javier Marín, Executive Vice President of the company, during the event's opening. He also emphasized that “no airport expansion, traffic growth, or even the implementation of new commercial ideas will be possible without a clear commitment to sustainability.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37197" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Passenger Terminal Expo &amp; Conference, one of the world’s leading airport industry events, brings together more than 10,000 attendees from 120 countries in Madrid, featuring some 450 speakers, including about 20 professionals from Aena. The expo, covering more than 25,000 square meters, focuses on topics such as technological innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and passenger experience, among others.According to Aena, since the system’s launch, around 15 airports and international airlines have visited Barajas to learn about its operation and explore its potential application in other airport environments.

Remote driving technology implemented at the 129 jet bridges of Madrid-Barajas Airport

Aena will begin its participation tomorrow in Routes Europe 2025, an international forum focused on air connectivity, held in Seville through Thursday. The company has lined up over 80 meetings with airlines and industry stakeholders to promote its airport network and explore potential new routes.With a dedicated stand at the event, Aena’s Air Traffic Data and Market team will meet with representatives from 123 European and long-haul airlines, as well as tourism and business promotion entities. The goal is to showcase the operational strengths of Aena’s airports and the appeal of the destinations they serve, in order to spark interest in launching new air services.Aena’s approach will focus on three key strategies:<ul><li>Tailored business cases: The company will present customized route proposals based on market intelligence, aligned with each airline’s profile. Aena produces more than 1,000 of these studies annually.</li><li>Collaborative promotion efforts: It will coordinate its pitch with Turespaña and regional and local tourism boards, building synergies to offer airlines joint promotional packages—leveraging experience from provincial air connectivity technical working groups.</li><li>Incentive programs: Aena will outline its tariff incentive schemes, aimed at boosting traffic and supporting post-pandemic recovery. Special focus will be placed on regional airports (serving fewer than 3 million passengers per year) and those that have not yet returned to pre-COVID traffic levels. For these airports, incentives can reduce operational costs by up to 70%, allowing airlines to pay just around two euros per additional passenger compared to 2023.</li></ul><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37197" data-title="You might be interested"></section>Routes Europe is part of Aena’s regular presence at key global aviation events—such as the Passenger Terminal Expo, also taking place this week in Madrid—as the operator works to strengthen air connectivity, regional development, and the economic impact of its infrastructure.The hosting of Routes Europe in Seville has been supported by the Andalusian Regional Government’s Ministry of Tourism and Andalucía Exterior, the City of Seville, Prodetur, Turespaña, and the Seville Airport.

Aena kicks off Routes Europe 2025 with over 80 scheduled meetings to boost air connectivity

United Airlines has announced an extension of its seasonal nonstop services between Spain and the United States for the winter 2025 season, lengthening the operational window for three of its transatlantic routes connecting Madrid and Barcelona with Washington D.C. and Chicago.According to the airline, the Madrid–Washington D.C. route will now operate until December 17, 2025, and resume on March 6, 2026. Previously, the service was scheduled to end on December 2 and restart on March 29.Meanwhile, the route between Barcelona and Chicago O’Hare, initially set to end on October 25, 2025, will be extended through December 2. The Barcelona–Washington D.C. service will continue through January 5, 2026, instead of concluding on December 18, 2025, as originally planned.United will operate these flights four times per week during the winter, giving travelers in Spain expanded access to destinations across the Americas via the airline’s hubs in Washington D.C. and Chicago O’Hare.The decision to extend these services reflects market demand and a growing interest in providing more international travel options during the off-peak season.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37454" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

United Airlines extends direct Spain–U.S. routes through winter 2025

Binter Canarias has launched direct flights from the Canary Islands to four new destinations in mainland Spain: Badajoz (BJZ), Córdoba (ODB), and Almería (LEI), each served twice weekly, and Valencia (VLC) with four flights per week.With these additions, the airline now connects the archipelago to 18 destinations across mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, including existing routes to A Coruña, Asturias, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Madrid, Menorca, Murcia, Palma de Mallorca, Pamplona, Santander, San Sebastián, Valladolid, Vigo, and Zaragoza.“We are very pleased to have launched these new routes. With multiple weekly frequencies and attractive schedules, we’re confident that both Canarian and mainland travelers are eager to experience our unique service,” said Miguel Ángel Suárez, Binter’s Director of Commercial and Marketing.Daniel Rosales, Binter’s Area Manager for Spain and Portugal, added: “Today is an exciting milestone as we inaugurate three new routes that underscore our strong commitment to Canarian connectivity.”<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/binter_canarias_embraer_e2.jpg" alt="Binter Canarias - Embraer - E2"></figure>In addition to these new services, Binter has also launched direct connections from Tenerife North Airport to San Sebastián, Granada, Pamplona, and Murcia, complementing routes already operating from Gran Canaria.These routes are part of Binter’s expanded summer schedule, which represents a 30% increase in capacity compared to last summer, with more than 1.37 million seats available on direct flights between the Canary Islands and other destinations.<h3>New routes and frequencies operated by Binter Canarias</h3>All new flights will be operated using Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, each with a 132-passenger capacity, translating to over 2,700 weekly seats per direction from the archipelago.<h4>From Gran Canaria (LPA):</h4><ul><li>Almería (Tuesdays and Saturdays)</li><li>Badajoz (Tuesdays and Saturdays), competing with Air Nostrum</li><li>Córdoba (Tuesdays and Saturdays)</li><li>Valencia (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), competing with Ryanair and Vueling</li></ul><h4>From Tenerife North (TFN):</h4><ul><li>Granada (Thursdays and Sundays), competing with Vueling</li><li>Murcia (Thursdays)</li><li>Pamplona (Tuesdays and Saturdays)</li><li>San Sebastián (Mondays and Fridays)</li><li>Valencia (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), competing with Ryanair and Vueling</li></ul>Additionally, on April 5, Binter began flights from Gran Canaria to Ponta Delgada (Portugal), and starting in July, the route will also be available from Tenerife North.

Binter launches direct flights from the Canary Islands to four new mainland destinations

As part of its route expansion for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season, Transavia has announced the addition of Sevilla as a new destination from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, starting in November. The route will operate three times per week during the upcoming winter season, with ticket sales opening on April 16.The Andalusian city joins the airline’s current winter schedule from Rotterdam, which includes services to Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Málaga, and Valencia, and complements the summer offering of flights to Almería, Girona, Ibiza, and Palma de Mallorca.With this new connection, Rotterdam becomes Transavia’s fourth gateway to Sevilla, alongside existing routes from Eindhoven, Amsterdam/Schiphol, and Brussels.Earlier this week, the airline also launched new routes to Trieste (Italy) and London-Stansted (United Kingdom), both of which will be operated year-round. According to the company, these new routes are designed to cater to both leisure travelers and business passengers.<h3>Transavia at Rotterdam The Hague Airport</h3>Rotterdam The Hague Airport, one of Transavia’s regional bases along with Eindhoven, supports the airline’s main operations hub at Amsterdam-Schiphol. From this airport, Transavia offers flights to 35 European destinations, including popular leisure spots like Palma de Mallorca, Faro, and Heraklion, as well as key business cities such as Barcelona and London.During the winter season, the airline also connects to ski destinations like Innsbruck and Salzburg, and maintains routes that serve visiting friends and relatives, such as those in Morocco.“We are pleased with Transavia’s expanding network from Rotterdam The Hague. This will enhance our region’s connectivity with Europe. We look forward to welcoming all passengers,” said Wilma van Dijk, general director of the airport.

Transavia adds Sevilla to its winter network from Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Euroairlines and Azores Airlines have signed an interline agreement that will enable the Portuguese carrier to expand its distribution reach and access new international markets through the Spanish company's commercial and technological infrastructure.Under the agreement, Azores Airlines will be able to use Euroairlines' IATA plate Q4-291, allowing it to issue tickets in over 60 countries via travel agencies, online travel platforms (OTAs), aggregators, and consolidators.Azores Airlines, part of the SATA Group, is based in the Azores archipelago and currently serves destinations across Africa, Europe, and North America. According to the airline, its network includes cities such as Milan, Paris, New York, Boston, and Toronto, operated with Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, including ceo, neo, and LR variants.“Azores Airlines has become a leading carrier in the North Atlantic region, and Euroairlines will provide additional distribution channels to further strengthen that position,” said Antonio López-Lázaro, CEO of the Euroairlines Group.Amanda Machado, Euroairlines’ Client Director, added: “The airline is undergoing significant growth, and right now, North America and the Atlantic corridor are strategic areas for the Euroairlines Group.”<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/red_de_azores_airlines_abril_2025_aviacionline_via_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de Azores Airlines - Abril 2025 (Aviacionline via Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Azores Airlines network – April 2025 (Aviacionline via Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>Sandro Raposo, Director of Operations at SATA Group, commented: “This enhanced partnership with Euroairlines will boost Azores Airlines’ distribution capabilities by giving us access to markets and customers that were previously out of reach.” He also noted: “We expect this increased awareness of our airline’s offerings—which include direct flights from major European cities to the Azores and seamless connections to North America—to drive continued passenger growth.”<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/azores_airlines_y_euroairlines.jpg" alt="Azores Airlines y Euroairlines"></figure>Founded in Spain in 2000, Euroairlines is involved in both air transport and service distribution for other carriers, with a presence in Latin America, the United States, and several European capitals. The company states that its model relies on agreements with agencies and global distribution systems (GDS).<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36587" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

Partnership between Euroairlines and Azores Airlines strengthens the Portuguese carrier’s international distribution

Reus Airport has boosted its connectivity with the United Kingdom with the launch of two new routes operated by easyJet, linking the Catalan city with London Southend and Belfast for the summer 2025 season.The first flight from London Southend Airport landed in Reus on the morning of Tuesday, April 1, officially marking the start of the new connection. According to Aena, the route will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, through October 25.With this addition, the Catalan airport now offers four connections to the British capital, complementing existing routes to Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted. At the same time, easyJet has also launched a new route to Belfast, which will run with the same frequency and over the same summer period.According to Aena, the launch of these routes coincides with the start of the summer season, which this year will feature 25 destinations across 7 countries—an increase from 24 destinations offered last year.To welcome the first flight from Southend, passengers were treated to refreshments and a commemorative cake. The event was supported by the Tourism Board of the Tarragona Provincial Council and Port Aventura.

Reus Airport expands UK connectivity with two new easyJet summer routes

Iberia has announced changes to its organizational structure aimed at strengthening the implementation of its upcoming strategic plan, Flight Plan 2030, which is scheduled to be unveiled in June.As part of the reorganization, the airline is bringing back the Customer Directorate as a member of the Executive Committee, a role that had previously been merged into the commercial area. Beatriz Guillén, formerly Global Sales and Loyalty Director, will now lead this department. According to Iberia, the directorate will oversee all customer-facing functions, including Customer Experience, Customer Commitment, CRM &amp; Marketing Automation, and Loyalty.Iberia is also creating a new Directorate of Strategy, Transformation, and Sustainability, to be headed by Diego Fernández Ortiz, who was previously responsible for Strategy. This new department will also be part of the Executive Committee and will take on additional responsibilities from other areas—Transformation, formerly under Finance, and Environmental Sustainability, previously managed by the Corporate Directorate.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/beatriz_ortiz_y_diego_fernandez_ortiz.jpg" alt="Beatriz Ortiz y Diego Fernández Ortiz"><figcaption>Beatriz Ortiz &amp; Diego Fernández Ortiz</figcaption></figure>The goal of this new directorate, the company stated, is to lead the rollout of Flight Plan 2030, with a particular focus on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Iberia considers SAF a key pillar for the company’s future, and believes integrating sustainability into this directorate will provide “a more strategic vision” for the acquisition and promotion of SAF production in Spain.Social impact initiatives will continue to be managed under the Corporate Directorate.With these additions, Iberia’s Executive Committee is now composed of the following executives:<ul><li>Marco Sansavini, President and CEO</li><li>Gabriel Perdiguero, Director of Finance and Technology</li><li>María Jesús López Solás, Director of Commercial, Network Development and Alliances</li><li>Ramiro Sequeira, Director of Operations</li><li>Juan Cierco, Corporate Director</li><li>María Bello, Director of People and Diversity</li><li>José Luis de Luna, Director of Labor Relations, Legal Affairs, and HR Management</li><li>Enrique Robledo, Director of Maintenance</li><li>Beatriz Guillén, Director of Customers</li><li>Diego Fernández, Director of Strategy, Transformation, and Sustainability</li></ul>“Iberia is entering a new phase of transformation with the ambition of maximizing its business potential,” the company said in its statement.&nbsp;

Iberia announces leadership reshuffle ahead of Flight Plan 2030 strategy launch

Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance Operations (ANEM) has launched a call to fill 16 official certified TMA positions at its facilities in Valencia and Madrid, with immediate incorporation, the company reported this Friday.The vacancies are distributed across 10 positions at Manises Airport (Valencia) and 6 at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, where ANEM has operational bases dedicated to the maintenance of Air Nostrum aircraft and those of other companies in the sector.The selection process will remain open until April 11 and is aimed at candidates with a B1.1 license with fleet, a high level of English, driver’s license, own vehicle, and availability to travel, according to the company. Applications must be submitted through the Air Nostrum group’s employment website.Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance Operations, a company certified under the European PART 145 AMO standard, is part of the Air Nostrum group and has a workforce of over 420 employees, according to official information.For its part, Air Nostrum describes itself as the leader in regional aviation in Spain and one of Europe’s main regional airlines. It operates under the Iberia Regional Air Nostrum brand and connects 59 destinations in 8 countries with a fleet of 46 aircraft. According to the company, it has carried more than 109 million passengers in its 30 years of activity.To apply for Valencia, <a href="https://jobs.airnostrum.es/ANEM/job/VALENCIA-10-Certificadores-TMA-Oficial-VLC/1185271201/">click this link</a>. For Madrid, <a href="https://jobs.airnostrum.es/ANEM/job/MADRID-6-Certificador-TMA-Oficial-MADRID/1185271501/">click this link</a>.

Air Nostrum's maintenance subsidiary is seeking technicians for bases in Valencia and Madrid.

LEVEL, IAG's long-haul low-cost airline, will increase its transatlantic operations during the summer season of 2025, with an increase in frequencies and seats on routes connecting Barcelona with Latin America and the United States. The company will offer more than 652,000 seats between March and October, marking a significant expansion of its summer program.As detailed by the company, the season will begin on Sunday, March 30, and will run until Saturday, October 25, with a schedule aimed at consolidating its role as the main long-haul operator from Barcelona. According to data obtained through Cirium, by July, LEVEL will represent 19.2% of the long-haul seat offering (+5,000 km) at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, followed by American Airlines with 14.9% and Emirates with 13%.Among the most significant updates, the Barcelona-Buenos Aires route will have a daily frequency for the first time during the summer, while the Santiago de Chile route will reach four weekly frequencies. In both cases, capacity will increase by 24% and 19%, respectively, compared to the previous summer.In the U.S. market, LEVEL will operate daily flights to New York and expand its offering to Boston and Los Angeles, both of which will have daily service during July and August. Routes to Miami and San Francisco will have four weekly flights during peak season and three during the rest of the summer period.One of the key milestones is the first anniversary of the route between Barcelona and Miami, launched on March 31, 2024. According to the company, in its first year, 168 rotations were completed, promoting tourism and corporate exchange between the two cities. “The consolidation of our routes and the increase in frequencies reaffirms our commitment to our customers, providing them with more travel options and positioning LEVEL as a reference in long-haul travel from Barcelona,” said Lucía Adrover, LEVEL’s commercial and network director. “This will be a very special summer for LEVEL, as it is our first summer season as an operator after obtaining the AOC,” she added.The seasonal route to San Francisco will be resumed in the coming days, completing the offering to the U.S. West Coast, along with the connection to Los Angeles.LEVEL obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in December 2024, which allowed it to stop operating under a commercial brand and become its own airline within the IAG group, which also includes British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Iberia Express, and Vueling.

LEVEL will offer more than 625,000 seats between Barcelona and America during the summer

Iberia and Aerolíneas Argentinas have signed an interline agreement that will allow their passengers to connect transatlantic flights with multiple domestic destinations in Spain and Argentina, using a single ticket and streamlined travel procedures.According to the official announcement, the alliance — in effect as of March 27 — enables travelers from both airlines to access 37 destinations within Argentina and 29 across Spain, with connections facilitated via Ezeiza and Aeroparque airports in Buenos Aires, and Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4 in the Spanish capital.As outlined in the agreement, Iberia passengers will be able to extend their itineraries to Argentine cities such as Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Iguazú, and El Calafate, among others, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas. Conversely, Aerolíneas passengers will have access to Iberia-operated flights connecting to Spanish cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Tenerife, among others.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36801" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>“This alliance with Iberia is a natural response to our historic ties, both cultural and economic,” said Fabián Lombardo, President and CEO of Aerolíneas Argentinas. “It will bring Argentinians closer to their roots and help Iberia passengers reach Argentina’s wonderful destinations.”From Iberia’s side, Marco Sansavini, President and CEO, stated: “Thanks to this agreement, we will be able to offer our customers the best travel options in a market as important as Argentina.” He added, “The more than 2,000 people we carry daily on our three daily flights between Buenos Aires and Madrid will now have access to a complete domestic connectivity network.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37447" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Both airlines emphasize that passengers will benefit from single check-in, baggage check-through to the final destination, and integrated booking, which, according to the companies, simplifies and speeds up travel between the two countries.Depending on the season, Aerolíneas Argentinas operates between 7 and 14 weekly flights between Buenos Aires/Ezeiza and Madrid using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, while Iberia operates 21 weekly flights with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Iberia and Aerolíneas Argentinas Sign Interline Agreement

Here's your translated and refined version, with the original bold and normal formatting preserved:Starting October 28, 2025, Iberia will increase its flights between Madrid and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to 11 per week, as part of its 2025/26 winter schedule. This marks the first time the airline has reached this frequency on the route, according to an official statement.The expansion will add 16,190 extra seats between October 2025 and March 2026. According to Iberia, this increase will raise the airline’s economic impact in Puerto Rico to $32 million for fiscal year 2026—$3.2 million more than the previous cycle.The key update is that Iberia will now operate a mix of daily flights using Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which seat 182 passengers, and four weekly flights on Airbus A330-200s, which accommodate 288 passengers.San Juan becomes Iberia’s third confirmed A321XLR destination in Latin America and the Caribbean, following Recife and Fortaleza, both announced just yesterday."We are thrilled to announce that, for the second consecutive year, we’re increasing our capacity between Puerto Rico and Europe. Last year, we achieved the milestone of a daily flight between San Juan and Madrid, and this new increase highlights our strong commitment to this market," said María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Chief Commercial, Customer, Network and Alliances Officer.The Puerto Rico Tourism Company noted that its efforts with the airline are part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity with Europe. "We are proud to see the increase in flights between Madrid and San Juan and the expansion of Iberia’s operations in Puerto Rico," said Carlos Robles Cancel, the agency’s Executive Director."Iberia’s decision is further proof of Governor Jenniffer González’s administration’s efforts to boost the tourism industry and air access to the island," Robles Cancel added.In January of this year, during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, the Government of Puerto Rico, the Tourism Company, and Iberia signed a new tourism promotion agreement aimed at the European market. Local authorities note that this initiative is complemented by the increase in flight frequencies, helping to attract more visitors to the Caribbean island.Flight schedule between San Juan and Madrid:• Flight IB 381 MAD 12:30 – 16:30 SJU / Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on A330-200 • Flight IB 379 MAD 15:50 – 19:55 SJU / Daily on A321XLR • Flight IB 382 SJU 18:05 – 07:05 (+1) MAD / Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on A330-200 • Flight IB 380 SJU 21:25 – 10:40 (+1) MAD / Daily on A321XLRIs the A321XLR also flying to New York?While Iberia has not officially confirmed this information, reservation systems show that starting October 26, one of the airline’s two daily flights between Madrid and New York-JFK will be operated with A321XLR aircraft.Iberia already operates A321XLRs on flights to Boston and Washington, D.C.

The A321XLR reaches the Caribbean with more Iberia flights between Madrid and Puerto Rico

Iberia announced that it will expand its international network for the 2025–2026 winter season, adding new routes from Madrid to Orlando, United States, and to Recife and Fortaleza in Brazil.According to the company, the direct connection between Madrid and Orlando will begin on October 26, 2025, with four weekly flights operated by Airbus A330 aircraft, which have a capacity of 254 passengers. Iberia will offer more than 46,000 seats on this route throughout the season.“We believe Orlando could become the star destination for the next Christmas season thanks to our relationship with Disney Destinations,” said María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Chief Commercial, Network Development, and Alliances Officer.Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, stated that this direct route “reflects our commitment to further fostering global connections” between Orlando and Madrid.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/horarios_de_iberia_entre_madrid_y_orlando.jpeg" alt="Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid y Orlando"><figcaption>Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid y Orlando</figcaption></figure>The company will also strengthen its presence in Brazil by launching flights to Recife starting December 13, 2025, with three weekly frequencies, increasing to five starting in February 2026. Fortaleza will begin receiving Iberia flights on January 19, 2026, initially with three weekly flights, increasing to four per week in February.Most notably, these new Brazilian routes will be operated with the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, a model Iberia globally launched in November 2024 and currently uses on routes to Boston and Washington. According to the airline, these aircraft offer a range of up to 7,500 kilometers, feature 182 seats across Business and Economy classes, and deliver over 40% fuel savings compared to similar wide-body aircraft. These will be the first transatlantic services operated by the A321XLR outside the North Atlantic corridor.“We believe Brazil has great potential beyond the main cities we already serve. With the addition of the new A321XLR, we can explore new routes across the Atlantic, gauge their performance, and gradually adapt our offer to meet demand,” said López Solás.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/horarios_de_iberia_entre_madrid_recife_y_fortaleza.jpeg" alt="Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid, Recife y Fortaleza"><figcaption>Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid, Recife y Fortaleza</figcaption></figure>Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, added: “Fortaleza and Recife are vibrant gateways to Brazil’s unique beauty and experiences. We are expanding access for Spanish tourists to the Brazilian northeast, which features warm-water beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and rich local cuisine and culture. In 2024, we saw a 13% increase in tourists from Spain, and the launch of these routes will help us continue growing.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36759" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>From the state government of Pernambuco, Acting Governor Priscila Krause said the new Recife-Europe connection will “further strengthen cultural and economic ties.” Eduardo Loyo, President of Empetur, noted that this route is the result of joint work started in 2023.Meanwhile, Ceará Governor Elmano de Freitas described the new direct connection between Madrid and Fortaleza as “a milestone for the state,” adding that it will help reinforce Ceará’s position as a global destination.With these new destinations, Iberia will offer approximately 284,000 seats to Brazil during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Iberia brings A321XLR to South America with new routes to Recife and Fortaleza

Iberia has unveiled its long-haul flight schedule for the 2025–2026 winter season, during which it plans to offer more than 355 weekly frequencies between Europe and Latin America. The airline will make available a total of 2.4 million seats, maintaining its position as the leading operator in terms of air capacity between the two regions.“Our goal is not only to strengthen our position as the leading airline between Europe and Latin America, but also to offer a stable, consistent flight program that reinforces the trust our customers place in us. For the upcoming winter season, we’ve scheduled capacity increases that we intend to consolidate in order to offer more travel opportunities to those who choose to fly with us,” said María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Chief Commercial, Network Development, Alliances, and Customer Officer.The main increases compared to the previous winter are focused on Chile, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. In the case of Santiago de Chile, the airline will increase to 12 weekly frequencies, two more than last year, with an estimated capacity of over 176,000 seats, representing a 20% increase.In Lima, Iberia will reach two daily flights, increasing from 13 to 14 weekly frequencies, with capacity close to 1,360 passengers per day between Spain and Peru.Santo Domingo will also see expanded service. For several months, the city will have up to 13 weekly frequencies, resulting in a total offer of approximately 142,000 seats for the entire season.The rest of the long-haul program will remain stable compared to winter 2024–2025, consolidating the adjustments made last year. Buenos Aires, Bogotá, and Mexico City will continue with 21 weekly frequencies, equal to three daily flights in each direction.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/destinos_iberia.png" alt="Destinos - Iberia"></figure>In Brazil, São Paulo will maintain two daily flights, while Rio de Janeiro will operate up to five weekly frequencies. Other destinations with daily flights include Quito, San José (Costa Rica), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Montevideo. Caracas will operate with five weekly flights, and routes to San Salvador and Guatemala City will have four flights per week. Finally, Guayaquil, Panama City, and Havana will each maintain three weekly flights.According to data from Cirium, Iberia is the top airline between the two regions, capturing 16.2% of all frequencies.

Iberia keeps twice-daily flights year-round to three Latin American destinations

Air connectivity between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands is under threat due to the non-payment of resident subsidies by the government. Airlines operating these routes have advanced up to €810 million through January 2025 to cover the 75% ticket subsidy for residents, according to a statement by Spain’s Airline Association (ALA). That figure could reach €1.5 billion in 2025 if the government fails to take action.The subsidy for residents of Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla on regular domestic flights is a state-funded aid managed by the General State Budget. Airlines act as intermediaries in the process, applying the subsidy discount at the time of ticket purchase and later settling the remainder with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). However, government payments have faced delays throughout 2024, leading to a growing debt."The budget allocated for air transport subsidies for residents of the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla is underfunded. The allocation in the 2023 General State Budget, which has been rolled over into 2024 and 2025, is completely insufficient to cover the 75% subsidies on airfares," stated Javier Gándara, president of ALA.The government had allocated €560.81 million in the 2023 General Budget for subsidies to non-mainland residents, but this amount has fallen short of actual demand. In 2024, seat capacity between the Canary Islands and the mainland reached 61.81 million, an 18% increase compared to 2019. Meanwhile, routes between the Balearic Islands and the mainland offered 55 million seats, up 12.85% from 2019.In addition to the debt owed to airlines, ALA reports that travel agencies have also been affected, as they have not received payments for the management fees associated with subsidized tickets.ALA president Javier Gándara warned that “this situation is compromising the financial sustainability of these airlines to the point that, if it continues, it could make it unfeasible to operate some of these routes, seriously affecting connectivity for the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, and consequently hurting their economic development and job creation.”ALA is calling on the government to pay the outstanding debt to airlines as soon as possible and to address this issue in future budgets to ensure that the subsidies are adequately covered, avoiding what they describe as “budgeting miscalculations”, like those seen in 2023.According to Diario de Ibiza, the government of Pedro Sánchez has declined to disclose the amount owed to each airline, claiming it's “sensitive information that could impact the economic interests of the airlines.”

810 million in debt: Government puts regular flights to Canary and Balearic Islands at risk

Ibiza’s tourism authorities are working to establish at least one weekly direct flight between the United States and the island, according to a report by <a href="https://www.diariodeibiza.es/ibiza/2025/03/17/ibiza-quiere-vuelo-directo-semanal-115350590.html">Diario de Ibiza</a>, citing Juan Miguel Costa, Ibiza’s Director of Tourism. The initial goal is to secure flights from key U.S. cities such as New York, Miami, or Atlanta.Currently, American tourists reach Ibiza via stopovers in Madrid, London, Paris, or Palma de Mallorca. Speaking at the recent ITB Berlin trade fair, Costa acknowledged that securing a direct route "won’t happen overnight, as it is a complex process." However, he emphasized the support of major U.S. hotel chains established on the island, including Marriott, Hyatt, and Six Senses, which are eager to attract high-net-worth travelers.<h3>The Appeal of the U.S. Market</h3>The U.S. market is particularly attractive due to high visitor spending. According to official data cited by Diario de Ibiza, in 2023, the average American tourist spent €2,024 during their stay in Spain, approximately €800 more than the average foreign visitor—a 60% difference. Costa highlighted that this affluent traveler segment has a strong demand for leisure and dining services and is less price-sensitive.Currently, beyond Madrid and Barcelona, other Spanish cities set to have nonstop U.S. connections this summer include:<ul><li>Málaga – United Airlines (daily flight from Newark)</li><li>Bilbao – United Airlines (three weekly flights from Newark)</li><li>Palma de Mallorca – United Airlines (four weekly flights from Newark)</li></ul><h3>Strategic Initiatives to Attract U.S. Travelers</h3>To stimulate demand, Ibiza’s authorities are engaging in strategic talks with leading travel platforms such as Expedia—the largest U.S. travel operator—alongside Booking.com and Amadeus. These discussions aim to develop targeted promotional campaigns to increase Ibiza’s visibility, as U.S. searches for the island on these platforms continue to grow.A delegation from the Consell de Ibiza will also participate in Routes Europe, set to take place April 8–10 in Seville, where they will meet with U.S. airlines already operating in Spain, such as Delta and American Airlines, to explore potential agreements.<h3>Ibiza’s Current International Air Connectivity</h3>At present, Ibiza’s international flight network is heavily concentrated in Europe. According to Aviacionline and Cirium data, in July 2025, one of the peak months of the summer season, Ibiza will be served by an average of 697 weekly flights from cities including:Amsterdam, Antwerp, Stockholm, Athens, Berlin, Belfast, Milan, Birmingham, Bologna, Bordeaux, Bournemouth, Bari, Bristol, Brussels, Basel, Paris, Bolzano, Copenhagen, Cardiff, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Eindhoven, East Midlands, Exeter, Rome, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Geneva, Hanover, Hamburg, Leeds, Lisbon, Liverpool, Luxembourg, Lyon, Manchester, Malta, Marseille, Munich, Naples, Nice, Newcastle, Nantes, Norwich, Porto, Oslo, Bruges, Bucharest, Prague, Pisa, Rotterdam, Stuttgart, Toulouse, Salzburg, Turin, Venice, Vienna, Verona, and Zurich.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/red_de_destinos_internacionales_en_ibiza_julio_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos internacionales en Ibiza - Julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Network of international destinations in Ibiza - July 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>The international market in Ibiza is dominated by low-cost carriers, with:<ul><li>Ryanair holding 22.1% of available seat capacity</li><li>Vueling at 18.7%</li><li>EasyJet at 11.5% Other key airlines serving Ibiza include Jet2, Iberia, Eurowings, Air Europa, British Airways, TUI, and Transavia.</li></ul>

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