Iberia to take up new route between Madrid and Tokyo

In addition to expanding flights to the United States and Latin America, the Spanish airline Iberia is now introducing a route to Japan.

The route is being served by an Airbus A350 (Source: Iberia)

With the launch of the new route between Madrid and Tokyo, Iberia is once again offering nonstop flights between Spain and Japan after a long hiatus. Following the recent announcement of a new route between Madrid and Salzburg, this is one of the latest additions. This connection between the two cities will be served by an Airbus A350, as announced in a recent press release.

Just in time for the winter season, Iberia has been flying from Madrid to Tokyo Narita International Airport with an Airbus A350 since October 27. The Spanish airline will operate three flights weekly year-round: departing from Madrid on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from Tokyo on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Flight

IB 281 Madrid – Tokyo Narita 11:55 AM - 10:15 AM (next day)

IB 282 Tokyo Narita – Madrid 11:55 AM - 7:45 PM

This service marks the only direct flight connection between Spain and Japan. Iberia’s A350 accommodates 330 passengers, with 31 seats in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 293 in Economy Class. Tickets for this route can be booked directly through Iberia.

The plane might sport Iberia’s latest business class seat (Source: onemileatatime.com)

Returning to Japan

The reactivation of flights to Tokyo is a significant step in Iberia’s return to Japan and Asia. Iberia’s first Tokyo route was launched in 1986, with the itinerary initially including stopovers in Barcelona and Mumbai. Between 1992 and 1998, the route was operated nonstop between the capitals, using the Airbus A340 and the enhanced Boeing 747.

Iberia reintroduced the Tokyo route in 2016 and operated it until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. During this period, the Spanish airline joined the Joint Business Agreement, collaborating with Japan Airlines, British Airways, and Finnair as part of the Siberian Joint Business (SJB), facilitating routes between Japan and Europe.

“Our return to Tokyo is remarkable news. It marks Iberia’s return to Japan, where we first launched operations in 1986. Together with our new direct flights to Doha, it underscores our commitment to Asia. The economic growth forecasted for the countries on this continent in the coming decades is extraordinary […]”

— María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Director of Commercial and Network Development and Alliances