MADRID- Spanish carrier Iberia (IB) is set to expand its long-haul network this winter by adding three new destinations, including Orlando, United States.
Starting October 26, the airline will operate four weekly flights to Orlando (MCO) using A330 aircraft with a 254-passenger capacity. This route will offer over 46,000 seats throughout the season.
Iberia Orlando Flights
Orlando, a leading U.S. tourist destination, serves as a gateway to Central Florida’s renowned theme parks. It also hosts Port Canaveral, a key space industry hub, and the Orange County Convention Center, a major venue for global conferences and exhibitions.
María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Director of Sales, Customers, Network Development, and Alliances, highlighted the airline’s strategic move.
We are excited to introduce these new routes next winter. Our partnership with Disney Destinations makes Orlando a standout choice for the Christmas season.”
Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, welcomed the new route.
We are pleased to introduce Iberia’s non-stop Madrid service at MCO. This partnership reflects our ongoing effort to enhance global connections. Thanks to Iberia and our Air Services Development team for strengthening ties between these vibrant destinations.”
Flight Schedule:
Iberia has announced flight schedules for its new Madrid-Orlando route, set to launch on October 26.
- The airline will operate flight IB339 from Madrid to Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 11:30 and arriving at 16:45.
- The return flight, IB340, will depart Orlando at 18:20 on the same days and arrive in Madrid at 07:55 the following day.
New A321XLR Destinations
Iberia is set to expand its network in Brazil with new routes to Recife (REC) and Fortaleza (FOR), complementing its existing services to São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG). The airline currently offers 14 weekly flights to São Paulo and five to Rio de Janeiro.
Flights to Recife will begin on December 13, 2025, with three weekly services, increasing to five in February 2026. Fortaleza flights will start on January 19, 2026, with three weekly services, expanding to four in February.
Iberia will operate these routes using its new A321XLR aircraft, which the airline introduced in November 2024. This narrow-body aircraft offers a range of up to 7,500 kilometers and achieves over 40% fuel savings compared to wide-body models. It features the Airspace cabin and provides 182 seats across Business and Economy classes.
María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Director of Sales, Customers, Network Development, and Alliances, emphasized Brazil’s growth potential.
With the A321XLR, we can explore new Atlantic routes, assess demand, and adjust our services accordingly.
María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Director of Sales, Customers, Network Development, and Alliances
Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur/Visit Brazil, highlighted the new routes’ impact.
These flights will connect Spanish tourists to Brazil’s northeast, known for its beaches, cuisine, and culture. In 2024, Spanish tourist numbers increased by 13%, and this expansion will support further growth.”
Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur/Visit Brazil
Priscila Krause, acting governor of Pernambuco, described the Recife route as a significant boost for local tourism and economic ties with Europe. Eduardo Loyo, president of Empetur, added that the route is the result of efforts dating back to 2023 and is expected to strengthen Northeast Brazil’s tourism sector.
- Iberia’s Recife flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Flight IB139 will depart Madrid at 12:45 and arrive in Recife at 17:45.
- while return flight IB140 will leave Recife at 19:15 and arrive in Madrid at 07:15 the following day.
Fortaleza Flights
Iberia will launch direct flights between Madrid and Fortaleza in January 2026.
Elmano de Freitas, Governor of the State of Ceará, emphasized the strategic importance of this route. He stated that the new flight strengthens ties between Spain and Ceará, expands access for tourists and investors, and enhances Ceará’s position as a global destination. He confirmed that the Government of Ceará will continue promoting the region in Spain and other markets to support the new route’s success.
Recife and Fortaleza are key tourist destinations in northeast Brazil, known for their year-round warm climate and beaches. Recife, often called the “Brazilian Venice,” is surrounded by the Capibaribe, Beberibe, and Jordão rivers and features numerous bridges. The city is recognized for its historical architecture and lively carnival. Recife also attracts diving enthusiasts with over 30 shipwreck sites.
Fortaleza’s main tourist attractions include the beaches of Iracema, Meireles, and Do Futuro. The city’s cultural heritage is reflected in landmarks such as the Fortress of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Palace of Light.
During the 2025-2026 winter season, Iberia will operate flights to four Brazilian destinations: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, and Fortaleza. The airline will provide nearly 284,000 seats on routes between Spain and Brazil during this period.
- Fortaleza services will run on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flight IB149 will depart Madrid at 12:40 and arrive in Fortaleza at 17:30.
- The return flight, IB150, will leave Fortaleza at 19:00 and arrive in Madrid at 06:45 the next day.
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