Iberia to expand flights, strengthen Puerto Rico tourism pact
Iberia announced it will significantly increase its operations between Madrid and San Juan, boosting Puerto Rico’s air connectivity with Europe to historic levels. Beginning in September, the airline will gradually expand its schedule until reaching 12 weekly flights in April, the highest capacity the carrier has offered in its 75 years of service to the island.
“This market is in the spotlight for Europeans as one of their next destinations thanks to its great tourist attractions, while we have seen an increasing number of Puerto Ricans choosing to cross the Atlantic and visit Spain and Europe,” said Víctor Moneo, global sales director for Iberia.
The expansion will use a mix of aircraft, including the Airbus A330-200 with 288 seats and the Airbus A321XLR with 188 seats. Iberia said the single-aisle A321XLR reduces emissions by more than 30% compared to wide-body aircraft, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. With the increase, the route will exceed 650 daily seats and provide more than 250,000 seats annually.
The airline began 2025 operating one daily flight between Madrid and San Juan and has steadily added capacity, moving to nine weekly flights in June, 10 in September and 11 in December.
The growth culminates with the expansion to 12 weekly flights, and the airline signaled it is considering further increases, including operating two daily flights during February and March. Those flights will depart Madrid at 12:35 p.m. and 3:50 p.m., with return departures from San Juan at 6:10 p.m. and 9:25 p.m.
The announcement coincides with the signing of a new tourism promotion agreement between Iberia and the Puerto Rico Tourism Office. The renewed alliance builds on a relationship that spans more than 76 years, with the aim of strengthening Puerto Rico’s presence in the European market. Under the agreement, Iberia will use its digital platforms, marketing campaigns and communication channels to promote the island.
Willianette Robles, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Office, and Moneo signed the agreement, reaffirming what they described as a shared commitment to increasing tourism flows and cultural ties between Puerto Rico and Spain. The effort is intended to expand Puerto Rico’s visibility in Europe, draw more travelers and deepen economic connections between the two markets.
The expanded flight schedule will also give Puerto Rican travelers greater access to Iberia’s Hola Madrid Stopover program, a free service that allows customers to extend their stay in Madrid by up to nine nights with discounts on hotels, dining, leisure and transportation. The stopover can be used on both outbound and return flights.
The increase in service marks a milestone in Puerto Rico’s international air access and, officials said, positions the island more firmly in the global tourism market.
