Iberia Launches Direct Flights Between Madrid and Tokyo

Later today, October 27, Spanish flag carrier Iberia will launch direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo, marking the only non-stop connection between Spain and Japan. The inaugural flight, departing from Madrid’s Terminal 4 at 11:55 a.m., will carry 352 passengers and land at Narita Airport in Tokyo at 10:45 a.m. on October 28 local time, following a 14-hour journey.

This new route aims to expand Iberia’s presence in Asia, building on the success of the airline’s daily flight to Doha, Qatar, which began in December 2023. The initiative is part of a broader promotion led by Madrid Tourism by IFEMA, supported by the Madrid City Council, the Community of Madrid, and other partners. It also has backing from the central government through Turespaña.

In its first year of operation, the route is expected to contribute €100 million to the economies of both Spain and Japan, while creating approximately 1,900 direct and indirect jobs.

Speaking in a statement, Marco Sansavini, president of Iberia said:

“We’re excited about opening this new route, especially after having to suspend flights to Tokyo during the pandemic, this is the only direct connection between Spain and Japan, and we plan to operate three weekly flights, offering about 90,000 seats annually. Our goal is to increase flight frequency in 2025.”

Luis Martín Izquierdo, vice-counselor of Culture, Tourism, and Sports for the Community of Madrid, highlighted the strategic importance of this route, calling it a “key step in positioning Madrid as a destination in Asia, a region vital for attracting high-value tourists.”

Héctor Coronel, Madrid’s director of tourism, emphasized that Madrid offers a blend of tradition and modernity that will appeal to Japanese travelers. “With this new route, Japanese visitors will discover a vibrant destination full of unique experiences,” Coronel said, encouraging tourists to explore the city’s renowned gastronomy, cultural institutions, and entertainment options.

Iberia’s new route is expected to enhance tourism ties between the two nations, as noted by Daniel Martínez, executive vice president of IFEMA Madrid, and Miguel Sanz, director general of Turespaña, who said that Japan remains a key strategic market for Spain.

Three Weekly Flights with Airbus A350

Iberia will operate three flights per week between Madrid and Tokyo using the Airbus A350, its most modern and efficient aircraft. The planes can accommodate 348 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

The new Tokyo route is Iberia’s longest, taking 14 hours to reach Japan and 16 hours for the return flight due to prevailing winds and the closure of Russian airspace. Both flights head east, giving passengers the unique experience of traveling around the globe, passing over regions such as the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and near the North Pole.

Given the route’s complexity, Iberia doubles its flight crew, with four pilots and 10 cabin crew members, including at least three Japanese flight attendants on every flight to cater to Japanese passengers.

Japanese Cultural Touches Onboard

Iberia has incorporated various features to enhance the experience for Japanese passengers, including Japanese films, series, and games in the in-flight entertainment system, as well as Japanese-language magazines and newspapers. The menu is also available in Japanese, featuring rice, green tea, and other snacks from Japan, with chopsticks offered upon request.

Business class passengers will receive pajamas and slippers, while Premium Economy and Economy classes also feature Japanese-inspired menu options and services. Additionally, Iberia has launched a Japanese-language call center and offers its website and app in Japanese, allowing passengers to purchase tickets in yen.

This new route signifies a major step in connecting Madrid and Tokyo, creating new opportunities for both tourism and business ties between Spain and Japan.