Iberia – Travel News

Iberia joins British Airways And Qatar Airways to enhance global connectivity

Iberia, the national carrier of Spain, is set to join forces with British Airways and Qatar Airways with the aim of expanding global connectivity and enhancing travel for passengers worldwide.

The collaboration will create connectivity across the extensive network of more than 200 destinations served by the three global airlines. Currently Qatar Airways and British Airways have established a partnership covering more than 60 countries,

Starting from December 11, 2023, Iberia will operate daily flights between its hub, Madrid Barajas International Airport, and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. This addition will significantly boost capacity between the two oneworld hubs, offering passengers enhanced travel options. Iberia and Qatar Airways will operate a combined total of three daily flights on this route, enhancing access between the Iberian Peninsula and vital markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.

The benefits of this joint business venture extend to both leisure and business travellers from Spain and Portugal, offering them an array of exciting new destinations to explore. From idyllic getaways in the Maldives and Seychelles to adventurous experiences in Tanzania and Nepal, cultural holidays in India and Oman, shopping in Singapore and Thailand, or visiting friends and family in Australia and Hong Kong-these destinations will be more accessible than ever before.

Iberia CEO, Fernando Candela, commented: ‘Joining the QJB with Qatar Airways and British Airways is excellent news for our customers. We are really excited about the launch of our Madrid-Doha route. Through QJB hubs in London and Doha, we are building the much-desired bridge between Spain and more than 200 destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle-East, and Africa, and offering new opportunities for travelers in both directions.’

British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle, said: ‘Last year we expanded our joint business partnership with Qatar Airways with the addition of 42 countries, and I’m so pleased to see it growing even further as we welcome Iberia on board. We’re committed to offering our customers as much choice as possible, and working so closely with our partners in Madrid and Doha connects British Airways to more than 200 destinations globally.’

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker added: ‘At Qatar Airways, we believe in connecting travellers to their destinations of choice and our recent enhancement to the highly successful joint business with British Airways, includes the addition of another oneworld member, Iberia.’

Iberia Express resumes Cardiff to Madrid route

Cardiff Airport has announced that Spanish low-cost airline Iberia Express has resumed its direct flights between Cardiff and Madrid.

Starting from June 14 until September 21, the airline will operate twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday. The addition of this route to Iberia Express’ 2018 summer programme for the second year comes after its success last summer both in the UK and Spain, offering passengers more onward connections from Madrid’s Barajas airport.

Trevor Martin, Chief Commercial Officer of Iberia Express said: ‘We are very pleased to be starting our service on the Cardiff-Madrid route today and hope that our customers are as thrilled with its return for a second year. We will continue to offer our fantastic service on board and value for money to one of Europe’s most vibrant capital cities. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board.’

Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, added: ‘Iberia Express came to Cardiff as a new airline partner last summer with an exciting new route to a capital city airport which is also a busy hub for connecting passengers. After positive feedback we’re really pleased that the airline has returned for a second year of flying passengers from Wales to the Spanish capital, and onwards to key destinations across South America.’

On Thursdays, the flight will depart from Cardiff at 18.35, arriving at Madrid by 21.50; and on return, leave Madrid by 16:55 and arrive at Cardiff by 18.05. On Sundays, the flight will depart from Cardiff at 10.25, arriving at Madrid by 13.40; and on return, leave Madrid by 08.45 and arrive at Cardiff by 09.50. Tickets for this seasonal route are available at iberiaexpress.com as well as via other Iberia Group sales channels, with prices starting from £42 each way when purchasing a round trip, Cardiff Airport said.

The direct flight to the Madrid hub will create options for travellers from Wales’ national airport to fly onward to South America.

Iberia Express to reintroduce Cardiff to Madrid service for summer 2018

Spanish airline Iberia Express is re-introducing direct flights between Cardiff and Madrid from June 14, 2018.

The addition of this route to Iberia Express’ 2018 summer programme comes after the demand last summer from both the Spanish and UK markets. The twice weekly flights will operate for the summer season on Thursday and Sunday, linking the capitals of Wales and Spain. Tickets for this seasonal route are now available at iberiaexpress.com as well as via other Iberia Group sales channels, with prices starting from GBP42 each way when purchasing a round trip.

Trevor Martin, Chief Commercial Officer of Iberia Express said: ‘We are very pleased to restart service on the Cardiff-Madrid route this summer season. Our aim is to consolidate its position within our growing list of destinations, while maintaining the great service and value for money our customers expect from us. The route clearly reflects our commitment to the United Kingdom, which is one of the main markets for tourists coming to Spain.’

The announcement builds on the airline’s operations in the United Kingdom, where flights operate between Madrid and London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh and from Asturias to London Heathrow. Additionally, Iberia – the parent company of Iberia Express – offers eight daily flights from London Heathrow to Madrid.

With the move, access to some popular destinations across South America from Wales’ national airport have also become closer, with connecting times of under three hours when flying via Madrid to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Havana, Mexico City and others, Cardiff Airport said.

Iberia Express announces early release of Madrid flights from Cardiff for Champions League fans

Iberia Express has released its latest schedule of flights to Madrid from Cardiff Airport one week early for customers travelling to watch the finals of UEFA Champions League, the Airport said in a release.

The direct Cardiff – Madrid route will begin operating on Thursdays and Sundays from June 1, with the addition of an extra flight departing on June 4. With fares starting from GBP43 one way, the early release allows sports fans looking to travel to Madrid to watch the finals between Real Madrid and Juventus to combine their trip with a short holiday. A popular destination for business travellers and tourists, Madrid is famous for its art museums, good food and of course its football teams.

The new Iberia Express route will also connect customers to other Iberia Group destinations via Madrid including the Spanish cities of Alicante, Asturias, Bilbao, Gran Canaria, Granada or Seville; Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, Johannesburg, Tel Aviv, as well as Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Medellin, Havana, Mexico City, Miami and New York in the Americas.

Trevor Martin, Chief Commercial Officer of Iberia Express, said, ‘We are very excited to have a team from Madrid playing in the Champions League final; it’s quite an accomplishment that two Madrid teams have reached the semi-finals.

‘This route shows our commitment to the British market, and will offer connectivity from Wales to many destinations via Iberia’s extensive network in Madrid.’

Deb Barber, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport said: ‘The UEFA Champions League final is a huge event for Wales, and the arrival of Iberia Express as a new airline with a brand new service to Madrid couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. It’s great to see the airline responding to market demand by bringing the flights forward and adding an extra service too, making it even easier for fans to fly into Wales’ national airport or to fly out and enjoy the atmosphere of the game in Madrid.’

Iberia Express presently operates a total of seven routes from the United Kingdom: five to Madrid from London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and the new one from Cardiff, as well as routes connecting London Heathrow with Asturias and Gran Canaria. In total, Iberia Express connects the Spanish capital to different British cities with an average of 33 weekly frequencies.

Iberia Express launches new route to Madrid from Cardiff Airport

Iberia Express, the low cost airline of the Iberia Group, has launched a new flight service from Cardiff to Madrid as part of its 2017 summer programme.

The airline will start flying to the Spanish capital this Easter, from April 6 to 16, and will resume the flights from June 8 to September 28, 2017. The airline will offer two weekly frequencies to Madrid on Thursdays and Sundays, with prices from £43.00, and from £155 in Business, Cardiff Airport said in a release.

Customers will also be able to connect via Madrid and continue their trip to other Iberia Group destinations covering 20 Spanish cities, such as Alicante, Asturias, Bilbao, Gran Canaria, Granada or Seville; Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, Johannesburg, Dakar and Malabo, Tel Aviv, and Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Medellin, Havana, Mexico City, Miami and New York in the Americas.

Alexandra Sabate, Head of Network Planning and Scheduling of Iberia Express said: ‘This new route from Cardiff to Madrid, which we are inaugurating today, shows our commitment to the British market and reinforces our presence in the United Kingdom. Iberia Express is the only airline that directly connects these two great cities, improving the connectivity of Wales to Iberia’s extensive network, and offering a variety of destinations at very competitive prices with high standards of quality and service’.

Deb Barber, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport said: ‘We’d like to extend a warm, Welsh welcome to our new airline Iberia Express and its addition of a brand new route to the Spanish capital of Madrid – a destination that’s been highly sought by our customers for a long time. With conveniently timed flights available at good prices, the service is ideal for short city breaks to discover all that the city has to offer.

‘Likewise, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors from Spain to our country during what is a very exciting year for Wales – the home nation of Real Madrid star player Gareth Bale and host city for the UEFA Champions League final 2017. With UNESCO listed, stunning mountain ranges, miles of award-winning coastline and a bustling city-scape within easy reach, there are many reasons to visit Wales using our national Airport as the gateway.’

Iberia Express already operates a total of seven routes from UK airports – five to Madrid from London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and the new one from Cardiff, as well as routes connecting London Heathrow with Asturias and Gran Canaria. In total, Iberia Express connects the Spanish capital to different British cities with an average of 33 weekly frequencies.

Customers to benefit from Iberia’s partnership with British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Finnair

Spanish airline Iberia has announced plans to join British Airways, Japan Airlines and Finnair in their joint services between Europe and Japan, benefitting customers with a choice of more options and increased flexibility, according to an online report by Aviation Tribune.

With the agreement, the four airlines will cooperate on scheduling and pricing between Japan and Europe, providing customers with more flexible routing options and attractive prices. The joint business will offer customers the ability to mix and match flights on all four carriers for the most convenient scheduling and best pricing; online booking capability and check-in with any of the four airlines, regardless of which is being flown; integrated customer support across the four airlines and greater connectivity on all four airlines in case of disruption.

Luis Gallego, President and CEO of Iberia, said: ‘Today is a great day for the Iberia family. We are returning to Japan as a renewed airline, with our newest aircraft and product for our customers, and we do so accompanied by such wonderful partners as British Airways, JAL and Finnair. We are proud to contribute to strengthen the alliance and to the growth of the leisure and business travels between Spain and Japan thanks to the only non-stop flights between the two countries.’

Alex Cruz, chairman and CEO of British Airways, said: ‘We are delighted our sister airline Iberia is joining our Oneworld partners in the joint business. The addition of more European flights to Japan, along with the benefits of co-ordinated schedules and frequent flyer rewards is fantastic news for consumers. Iberia’s direct flights between Narita and Madrid will be a very popular addition.’

Yoshiharu Ueki, President of JAL, said: ‘We welcome our oneworld partner, Iberia, to our home hub in Tokyo today. Japan Airlines is striving to enhance its presence in Europe, and we believe that the start of the four carrier joint business between Europe and Japan will provide more seamless access, consistent services and more travel choices for our customers.’

Pekka Vauramo, CEO of Finnair, said: ‘The addition of Iberia to our existing joint business between Europe and Japan is a great asset and we look forward to working closely with all our partners in this alliance. We are especially pleased with the benefits and opportunities this will generate for our oneworld customers travelling between both continents.’

The addition of Iberia will add Madrid as a fifth gateway, together with Helsinki, London Heathrow, Madrid, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, enabling customers to reach over 200 destinations in Europe and 59 in Japan. The Spanish airline has commenced services with thrice-weekly direct Madrid-Tokyo-Madrid flights, the report said.

Iberia Express launches new route to Madrid from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport has announced the launch of Iberia Express services, offering four weekly flights to Madrid with connections to over 30 Iberia destinations across Spain, Portugal, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

A popular destination for business and leisure travellers, Madrid is renowned for its art museums as well as its football teams. The city is also a shopper’s paradise, and has a range of high-quality restaurants.

Iberia Express will operate the return flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The flights from Birmingham are scheduled to offer the best connections from Madrid to another 34 Iberia Group destinations, such as Dakar, Buenos Aires, Havana, Mexico City, Montevideo, Santiago de Chile, and Sao Paulo.

Welcoming the new Iberia Express service, Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport, said: ‘Not only is this great news as it increases capacity to Madrid, but Iberia Express is also a oneworld alliance airline and BA codeshare carrier, giving travellers enormous benefits.

‘This is our 11th new airline to recently launch so we’re delighted that Iberia Express has also recognised the extensive business and leisure market in our region, and we welcome the strong Iberia brand to our growing network of airlines.’

Trevor Martin, Iberia Express’ Head of Revenue Management and Network, who flew over to Birmingham on the inaugural flight from Madrid, added: ‘Through the Iberia Group, we are able to offer those in the Midlands region a seamless transit experience through our Madrid Airport hub across Europe and Latin America.

‘In addition, Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city and a popular tourism destination, has a thriving business economy and many universities so we are confident that we will see many people from Madrid using the service for business, leisure and to visit friends and family.’

Iberia Express will operate a 177 seat Airbus 320 on the Birmingham service with Business and Economy sections. All services carry British Airways codes and members of Iberia Plus programme as well as BA’s Executive Club can earn and redeem Avios when they fly with Iberia Express.

IAG promises no changes with ownership of Vueling

International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), a UK-based airline owner and the parent of British Airways, has promised that its purchase of Spain-based budget airline Vueling will not impact on services currently operated by its other Spanish airline, Iberia.

Suggestions that the Vueling takeover could result in more of Iberia’s loss-making short-haul routes being axed have been scotched by IAG. It was also considered possible that Vueling could be viewed as the prime carrier between Spain and Gatwick in the UK, with British Airways abandoning its own services on the routes to leave the field open to its new sister company, but that rumour has also been denied by IAG.

An IAG spokeswoman said, ‘Vueling has got its own business model, we have no changes planned. It is of value to us as a stand-alone business.’

Among the routes that Vueling already operates from the UK are services from Heathrow to La Coruna and Bilbao; Gatwick to Barcelona and Palma; Cardiff to Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma; Edinburgh to Barcelona; and Heathrow to Florence.

Vueling’s pre-tax profit last year was €33.2 million, while its revenue experienced a 27 percent increase to €1.1 billion. In gaining full control of the company, IAG has increased on the 45.85 percent stake that it already owned as part of its purchase of Iberia, paying €123.5 million to achieve a controlling interest of 90.51 percent.

IAG has in the region of 400 aircraft at its disposal, and it uses them to service around 200 international destinations. Recent substantial aircraft orders are set to boost its fleet still further over the next few years.

BA workers plan show of support for Iberia strikers

Workers at UK-based British Airways are planning a show of support for striking employees of BA’s Spain-based sister company, Iberia.

Both companies are owned by UK-based International Airlines Group (IAG), and BA workers are planning to hold a lunchtime demonstration tomorrow (Wednesday) in support of their colleagues’ on going industrial action. Iberia staff are now into their second week-long walkout in protest at proposed job cuts that IAG says are necessary if the airline is to be profitable again. A further strike is planned for March 18 to 22, with a previous one already having taken place between February 18 and 22.

IAG is proposing to cut 4,500 jobs at Iberia, which equates to a little under a quarter of the total workforce. Commenting on the BA workers’ show of support, Oliver Richardson, the national officer for the Unite union, said, ‘BA staff are going to be showing their dignified and peaceful support for their colleagues at Iberia.

‘The Spanish workers are defending their jobs and their airline from an unacceptable attack. BA cabin crew know only too well the pain and the struggle the Spanish workforce are having to endure. The situation at Iberia bears an uncanny resemblance to the British Airways cabin crew dispute during the spring and early summer of 2010. Even the language being used by IAG is almost identical to the rhetoric of that dispute.

‘Cabin crew here in the UK are at a loss to understand why the senior management team at IAG is allowing history to repeat itself.

‘IAG should learn the lessons of the BA cabin crew dispute and take the short-cut to the negotiating table and avoid this unnecessary conflict.’

Strike action grounds Iberia flights

Spain-based Iberia airlines is suffering the latest round of on-going strike action, forcing flights to be delayed and cancelled.

Over 1,000 flights could be grounded as Iberia workers take on the company’s owner, IAG, in a dispute over job cuts. The five days of strike action has been timed to coincide with the UK school half-term holidays, usually a major money-spinner for the Spanish economy and airlines alike.

The walkout, which started at midnight, is the first of three five-day strikes that the Spanish trades unions have scheduled for February and March, in opposition to the company’s plans to cut 3,807 jobs and to cut costs further by reducing salaries. The company has cancelled 415 of its own flights over the next 5 days, but other airlines could also suffer the knock-on effect of strikes by handling staff at Spanish airports, with the likelihood of 1,200 more flights being grounded.

According to Iberia, 70,000 passengers will be affected by this current strike, although long-haul services will be less affected than domestic flights, with 90 percent of the long distance services expected to be operational, compared to just 50 percent of flights within Spain.

On the first and last days of each strike, further disruption is expected from union-organised demonstrations that will take place between 11am and 2pm, and a mass protest has been planned for central Madrid on Wednesday.

The other two strikes in this round of protests are planned for March 4 to 8, and March 18 to 22.

The Spanish unions also organised strikes in the run up to the busy 2012 Christmas period.