Iberia has officially announced the launch of a direct route connecting Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport with Tokyo Narita International Airport. This new service will operate year-round, offering three weekly flights from Madrid on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with return flights from Tokyo scheduled for Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Winter Schedule and Flight Details
The service will commence on October 27, 2024, and will run until March 25, 2025, providing over 45,000 seats for travelers between Spain and Japan during the winter season. Due to existing airspace restrictions over Russia, the route will follow a distinctive global flight path. The outbound flight will take a southern route, while the return will navigate a northern path over the Pacific and Arctic regions.
Outbound Flight (IB281): Departing Madrid at 12:00, arriving in Tokyo at 10:10 the following day.
Return Flight (IB282): Leaving Tokyo at 12:20, arriving back in Madrid at 20:20 on the same day.
Advanced Aircraft for Enhanced Travel Experience
Iberia will utilize the Airbus A350 for this transcontinental route. This fuel-efficient aircraft accommodates 330 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. With advanced Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 boasts fuel efficiency improvements of up to 35% compared to older models, aligning with Iberia’s commitment to sustainability by lowering carbon emissions. The aircraft scheduled for this route is one of Iberia’s newest, also serving destinations in Latin America.
A Historic Route Reimagined
The Tokyo route represents a significant milestone in Iberia’s history with Japan and Asia. Originally introduced in 1986 with layovers in Barcelona and Mumbai, it transitioned to direct flights in 1992, initially using Airbus A340s and Boeing 747s until 1998. The connection was briefly reestablished in 2016 but was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expanding Global Connections
This new Tokyo route, alongside Iberia’s recently announced service to Doha, underscores the airline’s dedication to enhancing its Asian presence. Iberia boasts an extensive network that spans over 140 destinations across 46 countries, including 45 cities in Spain, 56 in Europe, 8 in Africa, 27 in the Americas, and 2 in the Middle East. This strategy strengthens Madrid’s position as a vital hub connecting Asia with Europe and Latin America.
Collaborative Partnerships and Traveler Benefits
The Madrid-Tokyo route is part of the Siberian Joint Business agreement, a strategic alliance with Japan Airlines, British Airways, and Finnair, facilitating seamless travel options between Europe and Japan. Additionally, Iberia’s “Stopover Hola Madrid” program allows travelers to extend their layover in Madrid for up to six nights at no extra airfare, offering discounts on hotels, dining, and attractions—an initiative that attracts approximately 20,000 participants annually.
New Seasonal Route to Innsbruck
In addition to the Tokyo service, Iberia will introduce a new winter route between Madrid and Innsbruck, Austria, starting December 1, 2024, and continuing through March 26, 2025. Operated with an A320neo aircraft, the twice-weekly flights to Innsbruck will provide 11,500 seats, giving travelers direct access to Austria’s charming Tyrolean capital during the winter season.
With these strategic expansions, Iberia is poised to enhance its global footprint and improve the travel experience for passengers around the world.
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