Published on
October 20, 2025
Spanish airline Iberia continues to strengthen its European and Mediterranean network with exciting expansions for summer 2026. The airline will offer five weekly flights between Madrid and Funchal, Portugal’s scenic Madeira archipelago, while the Azores’ Ponta Delgada will receive three weekly flights, reinforcing Iberia’s commitment to connecting travelers with Portugal’s distinctive island destinations.
These route enhancements are part of Iberia’s comprehensive “2030 Flight Plan,” designed to boost connectivity, cater to leisure and business travel demand, and capitalize on the resurgent tourism markets across Southern Europe and the Balkans.
New Southeast European Routes Link Iberia’s Network
Iberia announced two new routes to Southeast Europe, further broadening its European footprint. The Romanian capital Bucharest will be served twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays from June 3 through September 30, 2026. In Montenegro, Tivat, a rising star on the Adriatic coast, will receive two weekly flights every Tuesday and Saturday from July 18 to September 15.
These destinations reflect growing traveler interest in culturally rich, coastal, and historic cities of Southeast Europe. By connecting these regions directly to Madrid, Iberia enhances tourism opportunities while providing vital air links to the Iberian Peninsula.
Croatia Remains a Central Mediterranean Hub
Croatia, which continues to attract international visitors for its stunning coastlines and historic sites, remains a key focus in Iberia’s summer schedule. The airline will operate fourteen weekly flights to Dubrovnik from April through October 2026. The cities of Zagreb and Split will receive nine weekly flights each, underscoring Croatia’s prominence in Iberia’s European leisure network.
Enhancing Croatia’s connectivity supports the country’s tourism-dependent economy, enabling smoother access for travelers seeking Adriatic beaches, cultural festivals, and heritage sightseeing.
Italy and Greece Reaffirm Their Importance in Iberia’s Network
Following last year’s strong demand, Iberia is reinstating and enhancing services to several Italian and Greek destinations. Service to Sicily’s Catania will resume with eight weekly flights starting in April, accompanied by Palermo representing three weekly flights. Sardinia’s airports, Olbia and Cagliari, will return with five and three weekly flights respectively.
Meanwhile, in Greece, Iberia is set to offer seven weekly flights to both Corfu and Mykonos, with six weekly flights planned for the picturesque island of Santorini. These routes play a crucial role in tapping ongoing demand for sun-filled holiday escapes rich with cultural heritage.
Increased Capacity on Major European Air Routes
Iberia also plans to raise flight frequencies to significant European city hubs to address rising demand. The Italian fashion capital Milan will see two additional weekly flights, bringing the total to forty-four weekly flights next summer.
Similarly, Athens will benefit from sixteen weekly flights in the shoulder months of April, May, and October, representing an increase of four flights over last summer. August is the peak travel month with twenty-nine scheduled weekly flights.
The French Riviera’s Nice will receive an addition of three weekly flights, culminating in twenty-four weekly schedules during the summer of 2026.
Impact on Regional Tourism and Economy
Iberia’s expanded services promise to support the post-pandemic tourism recovery across Southern and Southeastern Europe by increasing accessibility and visitor options. The strengthened connectivity encourages regional economic growth by facilitating cultural exchanges and leisure travel.
Portugal’s island regions, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, and Greece are positioned to benefit from higher visitor numbers, driving demand for accommodations, dining, local attractions, and cultural tourism. With robust air links, these destinations can better market themselves to expanding traveler segments including family vacationers, cultural tourists, and business travelers.
Strategic Vision for Iberia’s Network Development
Iberia’s ambitious route expansion reflects a strategic approach toward enhancing its position as Europe’s leading carrier for Mediterranean and European travel routes. The airline’s focus on popular leisure destinations combined with emerging cultural hubs signifies recognition of evolving traveler preferences, emphasizing personalized, immersive experiences.
By investing in capacity increases and new route introductions, Iberia aims to sustain competitive advantage while promoting sustainable tourism growth and route diversification across key European markets.
Image Credit: Iberia
