Iberia Launches New Non-Stop Route Between Madrid and Recife, Brazil
The Spanish airline Iberia has taken a new step in its growth strategy for Latin America with the launch of its first direct route between Madrid and Recife, in northeastern Brazil. This operation consolidates the airline’s role in the Brazilian market and expands connectivity options between Europe and one of the South American country’s regions with the greatest tourism potential.
A New Direct Link Between Spain and Northeastern Brazil
The launch of this connection makes Brazil the long-haul market—excluding the United States—with the highest number of destinations within Iberia’s network. To the already existing routes to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Recife is now added, with an initial schedule of three weekly frequencies and an offering of 15,000 seats during the first half of 2026. In January, the airline will begin flights to Fortaleza, making it its fourth destination in the South American giant.
The inaugural flight took off this Saturday at 11:50 from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The arrival in Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco, is scheduled for 16:45 local time, with a total of 182 passengers on board.
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Operation with the A321XLR, the Newest Aircraft in the Fleet
The route will be operated with Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the newest model on the market. Iberia was, in fact, the launch customer for this type of aircraft in November 2024.
These are narrow-body aircraft with a range of up to 7,500 kilometers. This capability allows them to efficiently cover long-haul routes while maintaining comfort standards and operational performance.
More Connection Options for European and Brazilian Travelers
The new route expands travel possibilities for Spanish and European customers interested in discovering northeastern Brazil, a region described as a gateway to a natural environment of warm waters, with a cultural and gastronomic offering in full development.
At the same time, this direct connection makes it easier for Brazilian passengers to access Europe, whether for a final stay in Madrid or via connections to more than 100 European destinations operated by Iberia from its main hub.
Antonio Linares, Iberia’s Sales Director for Spain, Portugal, and North Africa, has emphasized the importance of this launch. He stated, “This day marks a milestone for Iberia’s history in Brazil, where we have been flying for 75 years, and is a clear reflection of the ambitious commitment we are making to the country, diversifying our offering beyond the major cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.”
With this new route, Iberia not only expands its network but also reinforces its commitment to Brazil, diversifying destinations and consolidating Madrid as a key hub for connections between Europe and Latin America.
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