Iberia Marks 75 Years of Madrid-Paris Flights

On July 1, 1949, Iberia launched its first flight between Madrid and Paris aboard a DC-4 Skymaster. To celebrate the 75th anniversary, Iberia is offering special incentives to its Iberia Plus members, including double Avios points for flights booked to Paris from July 1 to July 31, 2024, and a chance to win tickets to Disneyland Paris.

The inaugural flight on July 1, 1949, marked a significant milestone in Spanish aviation history, establishing a crucial air link between Spain and France. This connection has grown over the decades, reflecting the evolution of the aviation industry.

The first flight, designated IB162, took off from Madrid at 10:30 AM and landed in Paris at 2:15 PM before continuing to London-Heathrow. The DC-4 Skymaster, noted for its technological advancements such as integral fuel tanks and retractable tricycle landing gear, was a symbol of mid-20th-century aeronautical progress. Iberia operated the DC-4 from 1946 until 1968, underscoring the airline’s long-standing focus on passenger comfort.

Today, Iberia operates up to ten daily flights between Madrid and Paris using the Airbus A320neo, a modern aircraft capable of carrying up to 186 passengers. This is a significant increase from the 66-passenger capacity of the DC-4. The A320neo features advanced technology, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact, in line with Iberia’s sustainability goals.

In 1949, a round-trip ticket to Paris cost 2,340 pesetas, with additional charges for excess baggage. Nowadays, Iberia offers round-trip tickets to Paris starting at €92, and special packages including flights and hotel stays. To honor the anniversary, Iberia Plus members can earn double Avios points for flights booked within the promotional period and enter a draw for a chance to win a trip to Disneyland Paris.

This anniversary highlights Iberia’s historic journey and its commitment to providing enhanced travel experiences.