Iberia Reconnects Madrid and Tokyo: A Resumed Route and New Flight Path in 2024

Iberia, Spain’s flagship airline, is set to reinstate its route between Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) in October 2024, marking the return of the carrier to Japan after a four-year hiatus. The route was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its revival underscores Iberia’s commitment to expanding its global network.

Starting from October 27, 2024, Iberia will offer a year-round service that will be operated three times a week using an Airbus A350 aircraft. This aircraft is configured to accommodate 330 passengers, including 31 in business class. The airline is dedicated to providing a high-quality travel experience, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

For the 2024-25 northern hemisphere winter season, Iberia plans to offer over 45,000 seats on this route through March 25, 2025. This substantial capacity demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the demand for travel between these two key cities.

One unique aspect of the resumed service is the adjusted flight path to Tokyo, necessitated by the closure of Russian airspace. Iberia notes that the outbound flight from Madrid to Tokyo will traverse across the south, while the inbound flight will take a northern route. This adjustment not only addresses airspace constraints but also offers an interesting round-the-world trip experience for passengers.

María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s commercial and network development and alliances director, emphasizes that the return to Tokyo, coupled with the recent launch of direct flights to Doha, affirms Iberia’s strategic focus on Asia. She highlights the significant economic growth in Asian countries and the potential for increased travel demand in the coming decades.

Iberia’s strategic scheduling will ensure that flights from Tokyo to Madrid are timed to facilitate convenient connections for NRT-originating passengers to various destinations across Europe and Latin America. This connectivity is crucial for Iberia’s network development, offering travelers a wider range of destination choices and seamless travel experiences.

The resumption of the Madrid-Tokyo route by Iberia in 2024 is a significant development in the airline’s international route expansion, reflecting its adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving demands of global air travel.