Iberia has launched its new direct service between Madrid and Toronto, with the first flight achieving a load factor of over 95%, underscoring strong demand for the new transatlantic route.
The airline will operate the service five times weekly throughout the summer season, offering more than 37,000 seats between the two cities. Passengers travelling via Madrid will gain access to an extensive network of onward connections, including 46 destinations in Spain and more than 60 across Europe.
The launch was celebrated at Toronto Pearson International Airport with representatives from Iberia, the Madrid regional government, Madrid City Council and the airport authority.
The new route forms part of Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030 strategy, which includes €6 billion of investment in fleet growth, digitalisation, customer experience improvements and network expansion. The airline sees Toronto as an important addition that strengthens economic, tourism and cultural links between Spain and Canada.
A key feature of the new service is the use of the Airbus A321XLR, the aircraft type at the centre of Iberia’s transatlantic growth strategy. Iberia became the world’s first airline to operate the A321XLR commercially in November 2024. The aircraft offers long-haul capability with significantly lower fuel consumption than traditional wide-body aircraft while maintaining a dedicated Business and Economy cabin configuration with 182 seats.
The route also supports Madrid’s growing appeal among Canadian travellers. Regional and city tourism officials noted strong increases in visitor demand from Canada, viewing the new direct connection as a catalyst for further tourism and business growth.
In addition, passengers connecting through Madrid can benefit from Iberia’s Stopover Hola Madrid programme, allowing them to spend up to nine nights in the Spanish capital without additional airfare before continuing their journey.