Iberia announced this Tuesday (25) the start of ticket sales for the new routes that will connect the Spanish capital with Recife (Pernambuco) and Fortaleza (Ceará) next summer.
The new frequencies will facilitate access for European travelers to destinations in Northeast Brazil, boosting tourism. Embratur will work in collaboration with Iberia and the two states to promote destinations in Spain, while also opening up options for other destinations within Brazil.
For Marcelo Freixo, president of the Brazilian International Tourism Promotion Agency (Embratur), the opening of the new direct routes represents a strategic step in strengthening the country's air connectivity. "Fortaleza and Recife are vibrant gateways to the beauty and unique experiences of Brazil. We are expanding access for Spanish and European tourists to northeast Brazil, with a direct impact on the local economy and job creation through tourism. In 2024, there was a 13% increase in the number of tourists from Spain, a growth we want to maintain and expand with the expansion of routes like this one."
"We believe Brazil has great potential, beyond the major cities we already serve. With the addition of the new A321XLRs, we will be able to explore new routes across the Atlantic, assess their acceptance, and progressively adapt supply to demand," said María Jesús López Solás, Iberia's Director of Sales, Customers, Network Development, and Alliances.
New flights
Starting December 13, 2025, Recife will have three weekly flights operated by Iberia, departing from Madrid on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. In February 2026, the frequency will increase to four and then five weekly flights. The region is known for its beaches, with summer almost year-round, and its cultural richness.
"This new connection represents a fundamental step toward further strengthening ties between Pernambuco and Europe. By boosting tourism, we create opportunities to attract visitors who, in addition to boosting our state's economy, will be able to experience our traditions, our natural beauty, and the richness of our culture firsthand," said Acting Governor Priscila Krause.
Fortaleza will receive its first direct flight on January 19, 2026, with three weekly flights, increasing to four starting February 16. "This direct flight from Iberia to Fortaleza represents a turning point for our tourism and our economy," celebrates Tourism Secretary Eduardo Bismarck. "It's a lot of hard work with the decisive support of Governor Elmano de Freitas. Now Ceará is even more connected to the world, attracting tourists and investment," he emphasized.
Source: Visit Brasil / Embratur.