Disney World. Photo: Shutterstock - meunierd Spanish airline Iberia inaugurated a new Madrid-Orlando route on Sunday, October 26, offering Disney World fans the chance to reach one of the most famous and affordable theme parks in the world in Orlando, Florida. The company has become the pioneering airline to fly between Spain and Orlando.
Iberia aircraft. Photo: IBERIAIberia will operate four weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with more than 46,000 seats during the winter season.
The inaugural flight took off from the airline's home airport in Madrid (MAD) at 11:30 a.m., with 272 passengers aboard the A330, and landed at Orlando International Airport (MCO) at 4:45 p.m. local time. A festive event featuring special decorations and children's entertainment kits was held at the boarding gate, led by Disney World staff.
Decorated Iberia aircraft. Photo: IBERIA
Orlando, one of the most popular destinations in the world, is considered the capital of Walt Disney World parks, with four major parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and extensive entertainment areas. In recent years, the city has undergone a significant development boom, with the opening of new attractions such as TRON and Star Wars.
In addition to leisure tourism, Orlando is also emerging as a leading destination for business tourism (MICE) with one of the largest convention centers in the United States and hundreds of international events each year. Its proximity to Cape Canaveral, the heart of the space industry and cruise tourism, further strengthens its position .
Beatriz Guillen, Customer Manager at Iberia: "The launch of our direct route to Orlando marks another step in Iberia's growth strategy in the United States, a key market for us. With this addition, we now offer nine destinations in the country, reinforcing our position as the leading airline connecting Spain with North America. Orlando is much more than a tourist destination: it is a global center for leisure, conferences, and innovation, and we are proud to be the only airline to directly connect Spain with this city. This new route allows us to continue expanding our network, diversifying our offer, and strengthening the Madrid hub as a gateway between Europe and America."
Thiago Santos, CEO of Disney Destinations in Spain and Portugal: "We are very pleased to collaborate with Iberia, this is a turning point in the experience of Spanish visitors traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort. This flight strengthens the alliance between two great companies and simplifies the way for Spanish passengers flying directly to the magic."