Iberia bolsters NYC presence with Newark-Madrid flights on Airbus A321XLR jets
Travelers in the New York City region can look forward to an exciting new option for transatlantic flights, as Spanish airline Iberia announces the launch of nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Madrid beginning March 29, 2024. This new route marks Iberia’s second airport in the NYC area, complementing its existing nonstop flights to Madrid from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The introduction of this service not only expands Iberia’s presence in the U.S. but also offers travelers more flexibility and convenience when planning their trips to Spain, a country rich in culture, history, and culinary delights.
The flights will be operated using Iberia’s state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR, which is notable for its capability to cross the Atlantic despite being a single-aisle jet. This aircraft features 14 lie-flat seats in its business-class cabin, designed to enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights. The daily itinerary includes departures from Newark at 11:55 PM, allowing travelers to arrive in Madrid at 1:20 PM the following day, thus maximizing their time in the vibrant Spanish capital. The return flight departs Madrid at 7:35 PM, arriving back in Newark at 10:25 PM, enabling passengers to enjoy a full day in Madrid before heading back to the U.S. This schedule is particularly appealing for Oneworld frequent flyers and American Airlines AAdvantage members, who can now benefit from additional options while traveling to Europe.
In addition to Iberia, United Airlines already operates nonstop flights to Madrid from Newark, further enhancing connectivity between the U.S. and Spain. With Iberia’s new service, Newark will become the airline’s tenth airport in the contiguous United States, solidifying its commitment to providing travelers with diverse international options. Moreover, travelers can leverage their points and miles to book these flights, as both Iberia and American Airlines are part of the Oneworld alliance, allowing for seamless transfers between loyalty programs. As travel resumes post-pandemic, this new route is expected to boost tourism and business travel between the two countries, making it a significant development for both Iberia and the New York City area.
The New York City region is getting a new nonstop flight to Spain.
Next year, Spanish airline Iberia will launch service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Madrid. It will be Iberia’s second airport in the New York area, adding to its existing nonstop service to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Iberia’s new Newark flights to Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) will launch on March 29 with daily departures.
Flying on the route: Iberia’s brand-new Airbus A321XLR, the airline’s single-aisle jet capable of making the transatlantic crossing,
which debuted just over a year ago.
The plane features 14 lie-flat seats in its business-class cabin, arranged in a one-by-one configuration.
Related:
Iberia plans to fly all of its new Airbus A321XLRs to the US
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Iberia bolsters New York schedule
Newark will be Iberia’s tenth airport in the 48 contiguous U.S. states, and will give the carrier a presence on both sides of the Hudson River.
Iberia already flies nonstop to MAD and to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) from JFK’s Terminal 8, the airport’s Oneworld alliance hub anchored by Iberia’s top U.S. partner American Airlines.
Now, Oneworld frequent flyers (and
American AAdvantage
loyalists) who prefer to fly out of EWR will gain another European destination from the New Jersey hub.
“Newark adds a strategic option that provides fast and convenient access to Manhattan, expanding choice for travelers and enhancing the experience in one of Iberia’s most important markets,” Iberia said in a statement Tuesday.
Iberia’s EWR-MAD itinerary
Here’s how the itinerary will shake out:
EWR to MAD: Departs 11:55 p.m., arrives at 1:20 p.m. the next day (all times local)
MAD-EWR: Departs 7:35 p.m., arrives 10:25 p.m. (all times local)
Most notable about this schedule: you’ll be able to essentially enjoy a full day in Madrid before returning to the U.S., with that evening departure and a late-night arrival at EWR.
5 versions of Avios:
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Gardens at the Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Madrid. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Other Newark flights to Spain
This won’t be Newark flyers’ first nonstop link to Spain’s capital city.
United Airlines already serves Madrid from its major hub at EWR — and will fly to five other cities in Spain next year,
including brand-new service
to Santiago de Compostela, on the country’s northwest coast.
How to book Iberia with points and miles
There are a variety of ways you can use points and miles to book Iberia flights:
American Airlines AAdvantage members can redeem miles on partner flights operated by Iberia.
Nearly every major credit card transfer partner
allows transfers
to either the Iberia Club program or one of the other international carriers that share its Avios loyalty currency — including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Finnair and Qatar.
You can seamlessly transfer Avios
between each of those airlines’ programs.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
