Iberia will expand its network in Europe this coming winter season by adding three new long-haul destinations : Orlando, Fortaleza, and Recife

The first of these will be Orlando, in the United States, which will launch on 26 October with four weekly flights operated by A330 aircraft, with capacity for 254 passengers. Thus, during the winter season, the airline will offer more than 46,000 seats.

Orlando is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States and serves as the gateway to Central Florida, which boasts world-famous theme parks. It’s also home to Port Canaveral, a hub for the space industry, and the Orange County Convention Center, a venue for international exhibitions, conferences, and meetings, among others.

“We are truly pleased to announce the opening of these three new routes next winter season. Thanks to our relationship with Disney Destinations, we believe Orlando can become the star destination for the upcoming Christmas season,” said María Jesús López Solás, Director of Sales, Customers, Network Development and Alliances at Iberia.

‘We are delighted to welcome Iberia to MCO and its new non-stop service from Madrid,’ said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International Airport. ‘This partnership between Iberia and MCO has been a long time in the making and reflects our commitment to further promote global connections. Thanks to our capable Air Services Development team and the skilled Iberia team for helping to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between these two popular destinations.’

However, Iberia’s big bet for the next season will be Brazil, where it will launch two new destinations, in addition to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where it currently offers 14 and five weekly frequencies, respectively.

On 13 December 2025, the airline will launch flights to Recife, with three weekly frequencies, increasing to five starting in February. And on 19 January 2026, Iberia will launch flights to Fortaleza, initially with three weekly frequencies, increasing to four starting in February.

Both destinations will be served by A321XLR aircraft, the newest model on the market, which Iberia launched globally in November 2024. These narrow-body aircraft have a range of up to 7,500 kilometres in Iberia’s configuration. It is also one of the most efficient aircraft on the market, with fuel savings of more than 40% compared to wide-body models. The A321XLR maintains the high comfort standards characteristic of other long-haul aircraft in Iberia’s fleet, such as the A350. It is equipped with the new Airspace cabin and has two classes, Business and Economy, with a total of 182 seats.

“We believe Brazil has great potential, beyond the major cities we already serve. With the addition of the new A321XLRs, we can explore new routes across the Atlantic, assess their acceptance, and gradually adapt supply to demand,” said López Solás.

“Fortaleza and Recife are vibrant gateways to the beauty and unique experiences of Brazil. We are expanding access for Spanish tourists to the Brazilian northeast, which offers warm beaches and abundant natural beauty, as well as original cuisine and a wealth of popular culture. In 2024, we saw a 13% increase in the number of tourists from Spain, and opening routes like these will allow us to continue growing,” said Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur/Visit Brazil.

Priscila Krause, acting governor of the state of Pernambuco, added that “This new connection represents a major step toward further strengthening the ties between Pernambuco, Recife, and Europe. By boosting tourism, we generate opportunities to attract visitors who, in addition to boosting our state’s economy, will be able to experience our traditions, our natural beauty, and all the richness of our culture firsthand.”

“This flight is the result of the work we began in 2023 with Iberia and Embratur. We are delighted to launch the new route in 2025, further expanding the European market’s access to Pernambuco. Without a doubt, tourism in the Northeast will be impacted by this route,” said Eduardo Loyo, president of Empetur.

Direct flights between Madrid and Fortaleza will begin in January 2026. Elmano de Freitas, Governor of the State of Ceará, said, “The arrival of this direct flight from Madrid is a milestone for our state. We are very pleased with this new connection, which not only brings Spain and Ceará closer together but also opens the door to new strategic markets. Iberia, through its hub in Madrid, allows connections to some of the main destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, facilitating access to Fortaleza for tourists and investors. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ceará in this air network strengthens our position as a global destination, expanding the flow of visitors and boosting the state’s economy. The Government of Ceará will continue to invest heavily in promoting the destination in Spain and other markets to ensure the success of this new operation.”

Their magnificent beaches and pleasant climate make Recife and Fortaleza two of the main tourist destinations in northeast Brazil, which can be visited at any time of year.

Bathed by the Capibaribe, Beberibe, and Jordão rivers, Recife is known as the Brazilian Venice due to the city’s numerous bridges. It boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage, and its carnival is considered one of the most fun and popular in Brazil. Recife is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, boasting more than 30 shipwrecks.

Likewise, one of Fortaleza’s main tourist attractions are the beaches of Iracema, Meireles, and Do Futuro. The city also bears the marks of its past in numerous buildings, such as the Fortress of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Palace of Light.

In total, during the 2025-2026 winter season, Iberia will fly to four destinations in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, and Fortaleza, and will offer nearly 284,000 seats between Spain and this region.

Source : Iberia