Spain national carrier Iberia has inaugurated on June 17 new direct flights between Toronto and Madrid, strengthening the flight schedule between Canada, Spain, and the rest of Europe, and consolidating Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport as one of the leading connectivity hubs between the Americas and Europe.
The airline operates five weekly frequencies between the two cities — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using the Airbus A321XLR, offering more than 37,000 seats over the summer season.
In an especially challenging environment for aviation, marked by fuel price volatility and geopolitical tensions, Iberia continues to make progress on its Flight Plan 2030, the company’s strategic roadmap for the coming years. In this context, the addition of Toronto to Iberia’s network marks a further milestone in the airline’s international expansion strategy.
The plan includes an investment of 6 billion euros in fleet renewal and growth, increasing the current long-haul fleet from 51 to 70 aircraft, as well as in service digitalization, enhancement of the customer experience, and the launch of new destinations.
Toronto, a symbol of Madrid and Iberia dynamism
The new route is also part of the international promotion initiatives led by Madrid Turismo by IFEMA Madrid (Madrid Fairs), a program driven by the Madrid Regional Government and Madrid City Council to further strengthen Madrid’s global positioning as the main gateway between Europe and the Americas.
It is estimated that during the first year of operation, the route will generate an economic impact of around 31 million euros.
“The addition of Toronto to our network represents a significant step forward in Iberia’s international growth strategy and in the consolidation of Madrid as one of the leading global hubs between Europe and the Americas. This new route not only broadens travel options for our customers, but also contributes to strengthening economic, business, and tourism ties between Canada, Spain, and the whole of Europe,” said Juan Cierco, Iberia’s Chief Corporate Officer.
According to Almudena Maíllo, Madrid City Council Tourism Councilor, “Toronto and Canada are strategic markets for Madrid, and this new connection tangibly strengthens that link. In 2025, the number of Canadian visitors to the city increased by 9.5%, placing Canada among Madrid’s best-performing long-haul markets. Travelers from Toronto can now fly direct to Madrid and discover a city that welcomes them with warmth and openness. It’s a destination where world-class cultural heritage lives side by side with an authentic, vibrant way of life that can be felt at every moment.”
In the words of Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice President of IFEMA MADRID, “the 3-million-euro investment made through Madrid Turismo by IFEMA MADRID has enabled us to implement a comprehensive promotional plan in North America that supports both the new Madrid–Toronto route and other connections with the United States. This joint approach allows us to maximize the impact of every action, amplifying Madrid’s visibility in long-haul markets and stimulating high-value international demand. All of this is framed within Madrid Turismo by IFEMA MADRID, a strategic project that drives international promotion more closely aligned with the destination’s priorities”.
Toronto joins the largest North American schedule in Iberia’s history. In 2026, the airline provides over 2.2 million seats and up to 170 weekly flights between Spain, the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, representing seat growth of nearly 13% compared with the previous year. In addition to Toronto, Iberia operates direct flights to New York, Boston, Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
