Iberia Celebrates 85 Years of Flights Between Madrid and Lisbon

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 19, 2024 07:35 AMNews
Share:
Iberia aircraft on the runway
Iberia's A320neo enhances comfort and efficiency. Source: unsplash

On May 1, Iberia commemorated 85 years of continuous flights between Madrid and Lisbon. This milestone marks the anniversary of the airline's first international route, which began on May 1, 1939, with a Junkers Ju-52 aircraft carrying 17 passengers.

The flight experience has evolved significantly over the decades. Today, Iberia offers up to six direct flights daily to Lisbon, utilizing Airbus A320neo aircraft that can accommodate 186 passengers.

These modern planes represent the pinnacle of technology and efficiency in Iberia's short and medium-haul fleet. Equipped with Leap-1A type CFM engines, the A320neo is notably quieter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors, cutting CO2 emissions by 50%.

Iberia's reach within Portugal includes five cities, making it the second European country with the most direct flight destinations from Spain. Along with Lisbon, Iberia provides four daily flights to Porto, three weekly flights to Funchal and Ponta Delgada, and seasonal flights to Faro in the Algarve. This summer, Iberia will offer more than 530,000 seats between Spain and Portugal.

As Iberia continues to expand and modernize its fleet, passengers can look forward to a more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experience, reinforcing the airline's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Widebody aircraft positioned on the apron at Lisbon Airport terminal

Lisbon’s New Airport Project Moves Forward After Decades

Feb 10, 2026 07:55 AM
Coastal view of Antalya on the Turkish Riviera

Berlin–Antalya Flights Return With a Valentine’s Giveaway

Feb 10, 2026 07:42 AM

Katowice Gets a New Adriatic Link for Summer

Feb 9, 2026 22:59 PM

Why Families Keep Booking Emirates Economy

Feb 9, 2026 22:46 PM
Haikou city skyline and bridge at dusk

Condor Adds a Winter Detour to Southern China

Feb 9, 2026 22:33 PM
Cars queuing outside an airport terminal at night

EU border checks go digital with new travel app

Feb 8, 2026 17:27 PM
Aer Lingus Airbus A320 on the runway

Aer Lingus tightens ID rules on UK flights

Feb 8, 2026 17:04 PM
Air Transat Airbus A330 approaching for landing

Direct Canada–Rio flights land this winter

Feb 8, 2026 16:51 PM
easyJet aircraft on the runway

EasyJet maps out winter sun winners for 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:28 PM

Gdańsk–Kraków flights return for summer 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:15 PM

Emirates Adds Second Daily Narita Flight from May 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:02 PM
Health worker assessing unwell traveller

Cape Verde Travel Linked to Reported Infection Cases

Feb 7, 2026 11:49 AM
Aerial view of Brazilian coastline and city

TAP Adds São Luis to Brazil Network with New Lisbon Route

Feb 7, 2026 11:26 AM
Icelandair aircraft parked at the gate

Icelandair Picks Gdańsk for First Polish Route

Feb 6, 2026 02:53 AM
European Union flags flying outside EU institutions

EU Confirms €20 ETIAS Charge for Visa-Free Travellers

Feb 6, 2026 02:47 AM

New LNER Trains Put Comfort and Small Extras First

Feb 6, 2026 02:34 AM

UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Keep Climbing

Feb 6, 2026 02:21 AM
Business jet parked outside Salzburg Airport hangar

Salzburg Airport Introduces Austria’s First Electric PRM Boarding Lift

Feb 5, 2026 03:04 AM
Tel Aviv coastline and city skyline

KLM Gradually Restores Middle East Flights

Feb 4, 2026 16:59 PM
Beach and turquoise sea on Turkey’s Riviera

Antalya Joins Ostrava’s Summer Schedule

Feb 4, 2026 15:42 PM
Coastline and bay in southern Brazil

More Seats Added on TAP’s Southern Brazil Routes

Feb 4, 2026 15:25 PM
Colourful seaside village and clear waters in Malta

Two New Summer Routes Added to Cluj’s Departure Board

Feb 4, 2026 04:38 AM

Paris Gets a Valentine’s Weekend Link from Cardiff

Feb 4, 2026 04:23 AM

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Switches to LOVE Mode

Feb 4, 2026 04:16 AM
Aerial view of central London with the River Thames and Tower Bridge

Direct London Services Scheduled to Resume in Aalborg

Feb 4, 2026 04:07 AM
Tel Aviv coastline with city skyline and beach promenade

Condor Brings Tel Aviv Back to Frankfurt Network

Feb 4, 2026 03:51 AM