From December 1, 2024, there will be a significant innovation at Innsbruck Airport: The Spanish airline Iberia will launch direct scheduled flights between Innsbruck and the Spanish capital Madrid for the first time.
These flights will be offered twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, until March 26, 2025. A modern Airbus A320neo will be used, which can accommodate around 180 passengers. This direct connection not only improves accessibility for tourists, but also brings significant benefits for local tourism and the regional economy.
A new bridge between Tyrol and Spain
The introduction of direct flights to Madrid gives Tyroleans the opportunity to visit one of Europe's most important cultural metropolises in a short space of time. With over three million inhabitants, Madrid is not only the seat of the Spanish royal family, but also a city known for its rich cultural treasures, historical sights and vibrant lifestyle. This offers Tyroleans the perfect opportunity to experience this city on a short city trip.
Travelers from Spain, who have increasingly discovered Tyrol as an attractive travel destination, are also benefiting. In recent years, Spain has developed strongly as a source market for guests in Tyrol. Barbara Plattner, Managing Director of Innsbruck Tourism, points out that the number of overnight stays by Spanish tourists last winter increased by more than 40% compared to the pre-Corona period. The new flight connection therefore offers further potential to meet this increasing demand and attract even more visitors from Spain to the region.
The flight data at a glance:
Flight number | From | Departure time | To | arrival time | Traffic day |
IB 802 | Innsbruck | 10:15 | Madrid | 13:00 | Wednesday, Sunday |
IB 801 | Madrid | 06:50 | Innsbruck | 09:25 | Wednesday, Sunday |
Madrid as an international hub
The strategic importance of the new connection lies not only in the direct accessibility of Madrid, but also in the connection of Innsbruck to Iberia's international network. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is an important hub for connections between Europe and Latin America. This new route therefore opens the door to Spain not only for Tyroleans, but also to Latin America, which is interesting for both tourists and business travelers.
Mario Gerber, Tyrol's Minister for Tourism, Economic Affairs and Participation, sees the inclusion of Innsbruck in the Iberia network as a clear upgrade for the region. The new connection strengthens Tyrol's position in international competition and opens up both tourism and economic opportunities. It also creates potential for increased trade relations and promotes cultural exchange between Spain and Tyrol.
The economic importance of the new route
Innsbruck Airport is of great importance for the regional economy, particularly with regard to tourism, which is one of Tyrol's most important sources of income. With the new connection to Madrid, Innsbruck Airport, Austria's third-largest commercial airport, will be further connected internationally. The new flight connection is expected to be in high demand, particularly in the winter season, when many holidaymakers from all over Europe and beyond come to Tyrol to visit the ski resorts.
For Iberia, the launch of this new route is part of its strategy to further expand its route network and respond to the increased demand for winter destinations. Carmen Giraud, Manager Sales Europe, Middle East and Asia at Iberia, said she was delighted to be able to add Innsbruck to the airline's network as the 143rd destination. This decision reflects the growing interest of customers in winter travel destinations.
A win-win situation for Innsbruck and Madrid
The introduction of direct flights between Innsbruck and Madrid brings numerous advantages: it strengthens tourism in Tyrol, facilitates business travel and intensifies cultural exchange. The connection to an international hub such as Madrid also opens up new economic and tourist opportunities, particularly with regard to the Latin American market.
For Innsbruck and the entire Tyrol region, this new connection represents a clear upgrade, while Iberia continues to diversify its route network and appeal to new target groups. With prices starting at 119 euros per direction, the flights offer an attractive offer for both holidaymakers and business travelers.