Iberia Launches New Brazil Routes, Adds Tokyo Flight

Iberia continues global expansion with significant initiatives in South America and Asia.

In Brazil, the Spanish airline will increase its flight capacity by 25% in the first half of 2026, offering 72,000 additional seats compared to the same period last year. The announcement was made by Marco Sansavini, the company's CEO, during the launch event of the Espacio Iberia complex in São Paulo.

Two new destinations, Recife and Fortaleza, will bring 80% of the growth. They are scheduled to operate between December and January, with three weekly flights each. This way, Iberia will double its direct destinations in Brazil from two to four.

Dancers at the festival in Recife, Brazil. Photo: Shutterstock

Additionally, existing routes to São Paulo (two daily flights) and Rio de Janeiro (five weekly flights) will be strengthened with the addition of a new Airbus A350 aircraft next summer, allowing for increased capacity.

Altogether, Iberia will offer approximately 365,000 seats in Brazil during the first half of 2026, with the new destinations expected to carry around 56,000 passengers in the first six months. The company emphasizes that these routes are permanent throughout the year, not seasonal, underscoring its commitment to the Brazilian market.

In addition, Iberia continues to collaborate with LATAM and GOL airlines, offering access to about 50 additional domestic destinations in Brazil.

CEO Sansavini called Brazil the fastest-growing country in their intercontinental flight network, describing it as a testament to their commitment to the important market. 

Photo: Shutterstock

Simultaneously with strengthening its presence in South America, Iberia also announced an increase in frequency on the Madrid-Tokyo route during the cherry blossom season (Sakura), one of the most sought-after tourism periods in Japan.

During March and April 2026, the company will add a fourth weekly flight, operated by Airbus A350s, the most advanced and efficient aircraft in the company's fleet.

The additional flight will depart from Madrid on Wednesdays and return from Tokyo on Thursdays, completing four flights each way weekly. The move will add over 6,000 additional seats on the route and contribute approximately 100 million euros to the economies of Spain and Japan, creating approximately 1,900 direct and indirect jobs.

Iberia flies to Tokyo. Photo: IBERIA

Flight schedule: In March, flight IB281 will depart from Madrid to Tokyo on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the new flight added on Wednesdays, departing at 12:05 PM and arriving in Tokyo at 10:15 AM the following day. Return flight IB282 from Tokyo to Madrid will depart on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, with the new flight leaving on Thursdays at 11:55 AM and landing in Madrid at 7:30 PM the following day.

In April, a similar schedule will be maintained, with flight IB281 departing Madrid on Mondays, Wednesdays (with an additional flight), Thursdays, and Sundays at 12:30 PM, arriving in Tokyo at 9:30 AM. In the opposite direction, flight IB282 will depart from Tokyo on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays (new flight), and Fridays at 11:10 AM, arriving in Madrid at 7:45 PM the following day.

The Tokyo route was launched in October 2024 and is operated with services tailored for Japanese passengers, including Japanese language menus, local entertainment, and unique additions such as green tea and Asian culinary options.