Source: Iberia
- Between January and June next year, the airline will offer 72,000 more seats than in the same period of 2025, as announced by Iberia’s CEO, Marco Sansavini, at Espacio Iberia São Paulo
- 80% of this record growth comes from the addition of two new destinations—Recife and Fortaleza—which will begin operating between December and January with three weekly frequencies each
- This expansion doubles the number of direct destinations in Brazil from two to four. São Paulo will maintain two daily frequencies, and Rio de Janeiro five weekly flights, with additional capacity thanks to the incorporation of a new Airbus A350 next summer, offering more seats
- Iberia will close the current year with over 590,000 seats offered; a 27% increase compared to 2025
- Brazil thus becomes the country with the highest growth within Iberia’s long-haul network, a clear sign of the airline’s commitment to this strategic market
Iberia continues to strengthen connectivity in Latin America, particularly in Brazil—the country that recorded the largest capacity increase across the airline’s long-haul network in 2025. During this period, Iberia offered more than 591,000 seats, a 27% increase compared to 2024, well above the growth achieved by other carriers operating on this route.
The expansion will continue in 2026. In the first half alone, Iberia will offer 72,000 additional seats compared to the same period in 2025, reaching a total of 365,000 seats.
The announcement was made by Iberia’s CEO, Marco Sansavini, during the official opening of Espacio Iberia, which will remain open until November 30 in one of São Paulo’s most exclusive locations: Rua Óscar Freire 777.
Recife and Fortaleza: New Routes
80% of the additional capacity Iberia will offer in the first half of 2026 comes from the new routes launching between December and January, doubling the number of Iberia destinations in Brazil.
The first flight to Recife will depart from Madrid on December 13, operating three times per week. Fortaleza will follow on January 19, also with three weekly frequencies. Both routes are expected to carry up to 56,000 passengers in the first six months of 2026.
These routes will operate year-round, not seasonally, reinforcing Iberia’s commitment to the Brazilian market and connectivity between the two countries.
In total, seat availability in Brazil will increase by 72,000. By route: São Paulo will maintain 221,000 seats, the same as in 2025 after increasing to two daily flights; Rio de Janeiro will offer over 70,000 seats, up 9%, with five weekly frequencies and the introduction of the Airbus A350 during the summer months; Recife and Fortaleza will add 27,000 seats in the first half of the year.
In addition to these four direct destinations, Iberia maintains codeshare agreements with LATAM and an interline agreement with GOL, providing access to up to 50 domestic destinations within Brazil.
Espacio Iberia in the Heart of São Paulo
Iberia has chosen São Paulo—a key economic and tourism hub in Brazil—to host Espacio Iberia until November 30.
This new edition of the initiative, which has already visited Madrid, Bogotá, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, is located in one of São Paulo’s most exclusive areas: Rua Óscar Freire 777. Its goal is to bring the Iberia flying experience closer to the Brazilian public.
Visitors can take the controls of an aircraft in our flight simulator, try on classic Iberia uniforms, or taste menus served in our Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. There will also be many surprises: live cooking shows, radio broadcasts, concerts, and tastings of typical Spanish products.
Espacio Iberia will be open Monday to Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All activities are free, but those wishing to enjoy the experiences must book in advance through the website: https://www.espacio.iberia.com/pt-br.