Iberia Express amplifies Canary Islands flights following Ryanair's reduction
Iberia Express, a Spanish airline, has announced an expansion of its services in the Canary Islands this winter, aiming to prevent capacity shocks that could ripple through hotels, restaurants, and excursion operators. The increased capacity is also intended to shore up Madrid as the main hinge for island traffic during the colder months.
The expansion will result in 116 additional flights and more than 150 aircraft upgauges to the A321neo, a more fuel-efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft compared to older types. This move is expected to provide more seats on key departures, fewer sold-out days, and a better chance of flying at civilized hours for travelers.
Resident fares for direct Madrid links from Gran Canaria start at €13 each way, with similar prices for other islands. Non-resident lead-in fares begin at €20 to Gran Canaria, €25 to Tenerife, €30 to Lanzarote, €34 to Fuerteventura, and €36 to La Palma.
Gran Canaria will see an addition of around 8,300 seats, including 42 new flights, bringing the timetable to as many as ten daily Madrid services at peak. Tenerife Norte will see the biggest lift, with Iberia Express offering up to eight daily frequencies to Madrid during winter, and adding more than 15,000 seats compared to its original plan. Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Palma will share an extra 4,500 seats to keep weekend breaks, family visits, and hospital appointments viable after the shake-up.
Iberia Express's chief commercial officer, Isabel Rodríguez, frames the increased capacity as a long-term commitment to the Canary Islands. The airline is signaling to tour operators that the Canary Islands remain a safe bet for city-to-sun packages and last-minute escapes by backfilling a slice of Ryanair's retreat. The choice of the A321neo helps Iberia Express square the circle of higher costs and sharper fares, offering more options, on larger aircraft, at the times people actually want to travel.
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