Iberia's Longest Route Marks First Anniversary, Projects 108,000 Seats for 2026
/https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/10/airbus_a350_900_de_iberia_en_buenos_airesezeiza.jpg)
Iberia celebrates the first anniversary of its direct route between Madrid (MAD) and Tokyo (NRT) this October 27. This connection, operated with three weekly frequencies, is currently the longest in the Spanish airline's network.
The flights, operated by the Airbus A350, the most advanced aircraft in its fleet, have a duration of 14 hours to Japan and 16 hours on the return. As Iberia reported in a statement, this operation involves an almost complete circumnavigation of the planet, flying over regions such as Alaska, Greenland, and areas near the North Pole.
The company projects to offer more than 108,000 seats on this route during 2026. The connection is solidifying as a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia, reinforcing tourism and bilateral relations between Spain and Japan.
According to Iberia's estimates, the connection generates an economic impact of nearly 100 million euros on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Spain and Japan, and supports around 1,900 direct and indirect jobs.
Schedule and frequencies
Iberia offers three weekly flights between Madrid and Tokyo, operated with Airbus A350 aircraft capable of carrying 348 customers:
- IB281: Madrid (MAD) 11:55 – Tokyo (NRT) 10:55 (+1) / Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- IB282: Tokyo (NRT) 11:55 – Madrid (MAD) 19:45 / Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Adaptation to the Japanese market
The Japanese market shows growing dynamism for Spanish tourism. Data from Turespaña indicates that Spain is the second European destination in travel intention for Japanese tourists, and the third in global consideration. Madrid, in particular, registered a 10% increase in bookings from Japan, driven by this direct connection.
To meet the preferences of these travelers, Iberia adapted its onboard service. In Business class, pajamas and slippers are offered, along with menu options like on-demand rice, soy sauce, and Japanese green tea. The airline highlights that 187 kilos of Japanese rice are loaded weekly, accumulating nearly 10,000 kilos since the route's inauguration.
María Jesús López Solás, Iberia's Commercial, Customer, Network and Alliances Director, noted that "this route is not just an air connection; it is a strategic commitment to strengthen ties between two countries with cultural and economic affinities." She added that Iberia seeks to "continue promoting quality tourism and projecting the best of Spain in Japan," positioning Madrid as a gateway to Europe and Latin America.
Iberia's 10 Longest Non-Stop Routes (by great-circle distance)
- Madrid – Tokyo/Narita: 10,795 km
- Madrid – Santiago: 10,697 km
- Madrid – Buenos Aires: 10,060 km
- Madrid – Montevideo: 9,922 km
- Madrid – Lima: 9,519 km
- Madrid – Los Angeles: 9,408 km
- Madrid – Mexico City: 9,082 km
- Madrid – Guayaquil: 9,012 km
- Madrid – Quito: 8,737 km
- Madrid – Guatemala City: 8,719 km
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión