Spanish national carrier Iberia has launched daily direct services linking Madrid with the Qatari capital city of Doha.
The new service, which had its inaugural flight on December 1, 2023, marks a substantial expansion of the world’s largest joint airline business, IAG, which has Iberia, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, as leading members.
Together, the strategic member airlines of IAG provide connectivity between Spain and over 200 destinations across Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa, and facilitate transfers at their respective hubs in Madrid, Doha, and London.
Iberia is operating daily direct flights connecting Madrid and Doha using its 18-strong fleet of Airbus A330-200s, each accommodating 288 passengers. The aircraft are configured in a two-class arrangement, featuring 19 seats in business class and 269 in economy class.
The joint schedule includes morning, afternoon, and evening departures, catering to travelers between the two capital cities and providing numerous connections at each hub.
The eastbound flight (IB6701) departs Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) at 08:30 and is scheduled to arrive at Hamad International Airport (DOH) at 17:35 local time. The return flight (IB6700) leaves Doha at 00:55 arriving in Madrid at 07:10.
The establishment of this new route is a direct outcome of the agreement between Madrid Turismo, IFEMA Madrid, and Iberia. This collaboration aims to promote the new route to Doha which provides access to 49 new destinations in Asia, 17 in Africa, 18 in the Middle East, and six in Oceania, with a stopover in Doha.
The anticipated economic impact of this new route is estimated to contribute €55 million ($61m) to the Madrid region in its inaugural year.
“We are delighted to welcome our partner Iberia to Hamad International Airport and to offer seamless service and connectivity provided through the unique partnership between Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Iberia,” said Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer at Qatar Airways. “This collaboration further solidifies Qatar as a preferred destination in the region, with Hamad International Airport serving as a global connector and one of the largest gateways in the Oneworld alliance,” he added.
The new route cements IAG’s position as the leading airline group offering air links between Spain and Qatar. The new service supplements Qatar Airways’ existing twice-daily services between the two cities which operate using the carrier’s Boeing 777-300 fleet.
The airline’s cargo division also serves Madrid regularly using its Boeing 777 freighters.