Flag-carrier Iberia will add a new daily flight from Madrid-Barajas to Newark Liberty International Airport starting 29 March 2026, complementing its two existing daily frequencies to New York JFK. The route will be operated with the single-aisle Airbus A321XLR, allowing the airline to raise New York capacity to more than 350,000 seats for the 2026 summer season—40 % above 2025 levels.
For corporate travel managers, the extra service means greater schedule flexibility and the option to split traffic between Manhattan’s east-side-friendly JFK and its west-side gateway at Newark. Iberia says the A321XLR’s lower fuel burn will keep unit costs in check despite high transatlantic demand.
![Iberia to open daily Madrid–Newark service, boosting Spain–U.S. capacity by 40 % next summer]()
The move aligns with Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030, which targets deeper penetration of North American business markets and leverages the joint venture with American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair. Codeshare connections will provide one-stop Spain access from 50 U.S. cities.
Travel-risk consultants note that the A321XLR configuration offers the same full-flat seat model used on Iberia’s A350s, ensuring no downgrade in passenger experience.
Airports operator Aena welcomed the announcement, predicting €55 million in additional annual economic impact for Madrid and 600 new jobs in ground handling, catering and MRO.
For corporate travel managers, the extra service means greater schedule flexibility and the option to split traffic between Manhattan’s east-side-friendly JFK and its west-side gateway at Newark. Iberia says the A321XLR’s lower fuel burn will keep unit costs in check despite high transatlantic demand.
The move aligns with Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030, which targets deeper penetration of North American business markets and leverages the joint venture with American Airlines, British Airways and Finnair. Codeshare connections will provide one-stop Spain access from 50 U.S. cities.
Travel-risk consultants note that the A321XLR configuration offers the same full-flat seat model used on Iberia’s A350s, ensuring no downgrade in passenger experience.
Airports operator Aena welcomed the announcement, predicting €55 million in additional annual economic impact for Madrid and 600 new jobs in ground handling, catering and MRO.
