For the 2023/2024 winter season, Iberia is escalating its Middle East operations with a direct service between Madrid and Doha. This novel connection is an integral part of the joint business agreement (JBA) with Qatar Airways and British Airways.
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The new route will offer customers a gateway to over 200 destinations across the three global airlines. Iberia and Qatar Airways are set to operate three daily flights between Madrid and Doha, improving connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and principal markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Iberia’s incorporation into this alliance broadens customers’ alternatives, providing an extensive network of destinations, flexible flight schedules, competitive fares, and access to premium Business Class products such as Qatar Airways’ Qsuite and British Airways’ Club Suite. Additionally, customers can accrue and redeem Avios in the three airlines’ loyalty programs: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Fernando Candela, President and CEO of Iberia, shared: “We’re thrilled about the inauguration of our Madrid-Doha route and our integration into the JBA with Qatar Airways and British Airways, which is fantastic news for our customers. Through hubs in London and Doha, we’re creating the much-anticipated link between Spain and over 200 destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa, with optimal connections.”
Iberia’s Flight Schedule to Doha
Commences on December 11, 2023.
- Madrid – Doha Flight IB 6701 MAD 08:30 – DOH 17:35 daily flights.
- Doha – Madrid Flight IB 6700 DOH 00:55 – MAD 07:10 daily flights.
The route will be serviced by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, accommodating 288 passengers across two classes (19 Business Class/269 Economy). Promotional fares start from 325 euros each way. Partner Qatar Airways, in addition to its services to the Spanish capital, also operates services to Barcelona and a seasonal route to Malaga.
Travelers from Spain and Portugal will have access to popular leisure and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) destinations such as Maldives, Seychelles, Tanzania, Nepal, India, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and Hong Kong. Customers from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia will have enhanced options to fly to Madrid, Lisbon, Ibiza, Malaga, Gran Canaria, and dozens of other destinations in Spain and Portugal.
As per data secured by Aviacionline from Aena Estadística, in 2022, 387,082 passengers and 25,990.2 tons of cargo were transferred between Madrid and Doha across 1,857 air operations.
Iberia is the second Oneworld alliance airline this year to announce direct flights to Hamad International Airport, following Japan Airlines which has scheduled a service from Tokyo/Haneda for summer 2024. Presently, partner airlines offering direct flights to Doha include: American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines.
