MADRID- On December 11, 2023, a significant milestone in global connectivity was achieved with the inauguration of Iberia’s (IB) direct flights from Madrid, Spain, to Doha, Qatar.
The flight, IB6701, departed from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) at 08:30 this morning, carrying 270 passengers. It is scheduled to arrive at Hamad International Airport (DOH), the hub of Qatar Airways (QR), at 17:35.
Iberia Madrid to Doha Flight
The commencement of daily direct flights between Madrid and Doha marks a substantial expansion of the world’s largest joint business involving Iberia, Qatar Airways, and British Airways (BA).
These strategic partners provide unparalleled connectivity between Spain and over 200 destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa, facilitating efficient transfers at their respective 5-star hubs in Madrid, London, and Doha.
This initiative is also part of the promotional endeavors spearheaded by IFEMA Madrid’s Madrid Turismo in collaboration with the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council. It involves the active participation of various companies and associations, collectively forming the Madrid Tourism Board of Experts, with Iberia as a contributing member.
The establishment of this new route is a direct outcome of the agreement between Madrid Turismo by IFEMA Madrid and Iberia. This collaboration aims to streamline the initiation of this connection, providing access to 49 new destinations in Asia, 17 in Africa, 18 in the Middle East, and 6 in Oceania, with a stopover in Doha.
The anticipated economic impact of this new route is estimated to contribute €55 million to the Madrid region in its inaugural year.
Improved Connectivity for Asian
The expansion of this network is pivotal to the growth of Iberia’s hub in Madrid, positioning it as the preferred gateway to Europe for travelers arriving from Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Fernando Candela, CEO of Iberia, emphasized that the daily flight between Madrid and Doha signifies more than just the launch of a new route; it signifies the connection of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa with Spain and Europe. This connection offers diverse options to enhance and diversify Spanish connectivity with these regions, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer at Qatar Airways, expressed delight in welcoming Iberia to Hamad International Airport, highlighting the seamless service and connectivity provided through the unique partnership between Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Iberia. This collaboration further solidifies Qatar as a preferred destination in the region, with Hamad International Airport serving as a global connector and one of the largest gateways in the oneworld alliance.
Yolanda Perdomo, director of Madrid Turismo by IFEMA Madrid, outlined the comprehensive promotional campaign accompanying the initiative to boost Madrid’s air connectivity. Targeted at countries such as the Republic of Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, the campaign includes various actions like a digital marketing campaign featuring Asian celebrities, communication campaigns on digital platforms, social networks, and local media, co-marketing with premium travel agencies, and radio, cable TV, and outdoor campaigns.
Minister Remarks
Daniel Martínez Rodríguez, Deputy Councillor for Culture, Tourism, and Sports of the Community of Madrid, celebrated the operationalization of the route, achieving the objective of attracting visitors from Asia and the Middle East. These visitors are recognized for their high value and longer stays, contributing to the recovery and growth of tourism figures.
Almudena Maíllo, Councillor for Culture, Tourism, and Sports for Madrid City Council, highlighted the strategic importance of the flight launch as it opens up the route to the Middle East. Recognizing the region’s economic potential, she emphasized the importance of improving connectivity to strengthen Madrid’s position as the premier hub in southern Europe.
Flight Schedule
Iberia is now operating daily direct flights connecting Madrid and Doha using the Airbus A330-200, accommodating 288 passengers across Business and Economy Classes.
The joint schedule includes morning, afternoon, and evening departures, catering to travelers between the two capital cities and providing numerous connections at each hub. Whether journeying from Madrid to Bali, Sydney to Ibiza, Lisbon to Maputo, or Doha to Malaga, the integrated networks ensure swift and dependable itineraries for all passengers.
Moreover, the partnership offers members of the airlines’ loyalty programs the advantage of a shared currency, Avios.
Members enrolled in Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Iberia Plus, and British Airways Executive Club can pool their balances to earn and redeem Avios on flights with all three airlines.
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