Iberia announced an unprecedented investment to redefine its role in global aviation. With the 2030 Flight Plan, the Spanish airline will invest €6 billion to modernize its operations, expand routes, strengthen its presence in the Americas, and consolidate its position as the main hub connecting Europe and Latin America. With a clear roadmap that combines fleet expansion, infrastructure improvements, and a more technological travel experience, the transformation has already begun, and its scope is worldwide.
The push begins in the air
One of the central pillars of the plan is the expansion of its long-haul fleet, which, as planned, will grow from 45 aircraft to at least 70 aircraft. The models planned for incorporation include the A350, the A330-900, and the A321-XLR. For short- and medium-haul flights, the airline will also replace virtually all of its older-generation aircraft with the new A320 and A321 NEO.
This expansion comes at a key moment: faced with a global shortage of planes, Iberia has been forced in recent months to seek the support of other airlines—such as Wamos Air, Iberojet, Hi Fly, and Privilege Style—to operate certain long-haul routes, including destinations such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Panama.
This fleet expansion is intended not only to meet growing demand with its own resources, but also to improve the sustainability of operations through more efficient and less polluting aircraft, in line with the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
New routes, more frequencies, and a greater presence in Latin America
In addition to the recent announcement of increased frequencies to Santo Domingo, Lima and Santiago de Chile, the airline, which had already confirmed new destinations such as Recife and Fortaleza, is adding a new route between Madrid and Monterrey.
Our article: 5 reasons to fall in love with Santo Domingo
This growth comes on top of a historic 2024, in which Iberia offered more than 5.3 million seats to Latin America, 16% more than the previous year. The region remains one of the company’s main focuses, both in terms of passenger volume and the strategic value of these markets.
Barajas as a major connection hub
Another key focus is the development of Madrid-Barajas Airport. Iberia will work with Aena to expand Terminal 4, where a new Premium VIP lounge will be inaugurated. At the same time, the airline is developing “Ciudad Iberia,” a large complex in La Muñoza, right next to the airport, which will centralize the company’s offices and aims to become one of the most innovative aeronautical hubs in Europe.
Technology and passenger experience
The modernization will not only be visible in the fleet or destinations. Long-haul cabins will be completely renovated, carry-on luggage space will be expanded with XL overhead compartments, and new technologies will be introduced to digitize and personalize the passenger experience — including the use of artificial intelligence to optimize every part of the journey.
By placing Latin America at the heart of its 2030 strategy, Iberia reaffirms its commitment to a region that is not only historically close, but now seen as a true engine of growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. More than just a competitive advantage, strengthening the air bridge between the two continents becomes the foundation of a bold, global-scale transformation.
Photos: Iberia
