Iberia has inaugurated direct flights linking Madrid with Tokyo and Shanghai, marking the airline’s highly anticipated entry into the Asian market.
These strategic routes are serviced by Iberia’s advanced Airbus A330-200 fleet, offering a refined onboard experience for up to 288 travelers—19 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class. The aircraft, renowned for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, enhances the long-haul journey between Europe and Asia.
With this expansion, Iberia establishes a significant presence in Asia, reflecting the carrier’s ongoing transformation focused on operational excellence, cost optimization, and a renewed customer-centric ethos. This evolution has enabled Iberia to approach new global markets with confidence and financial sustainability.
Following regulatory approval, the Madrid–Tokyo route operates three times weekly, catering to the growing number of Japanese visitors to Spain. Iberia remains the sole airline providing nonstop connectivity between the two capitals, a critical advantage in today’s competitive aviation landscape. Flights depart Madrid on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 13:20, arriving at Tokyo Narita at 09:35 the next day. Return flights leave Tokyo at 11:20, landing in Madrid at 18:20.
The Madrid–Shanghai service, also scheduled three times per week, commenced once bilateral agreements and airport slots were secured. This route fulfills increasing demand from Chinese travelers, who have shown a steady rise in visits to Spain over recent years.
Both routes symbolize Iberia’s commitment to global connectivity and reflect broader industry trends of bridging Europe and Asia with premium, direct service. According to Luis Gallego, Iberia’s Chairman and CEO, “Expanding into Asia has always been a strategic ambition for Iberia. These routes to Tokyo and Shanghai not only strengthen our international network but also foster stronger ties between Spain and two of the world’s most dynamic economies.”