Iberia is set to boost connectivity between Santiago and Madrid by increasing flight frequency and seat capacity for the upcoming summer season. The Spanish airline aims to strengthen its presence in the Chilean market, increasing weekly service from 12 to 13 flights between the two capitals.
Marina Colunga, Iberia’s Director for Latin America, confirmed that the company expects to end the year with 420,000 available seats on the Santiago-Madrid route. According to the executive, the strategy is designed to meet growing demand, which saw an 8% increase between 2024 and 2025.
“This is a massive financial commitment we are making as part of Iberia’s expansion in Latin America,” Colunga noted during her visit to Santiago for IATA’s Wings of Change event.
Service expansion and fare stability
The airline will also bolster its premium cabin offerings, including business and premium economy classes, to target corporate travelers and the luxury tourism segment. The company operates the Airbus A350 on this route, a model capable of carrying nearly 300 passengers with high load factors.
In a technological breakthrough, Iberia announced a partnership to implement Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet across its fleet during 202[X]. This advancement aims to enhance the passenger experience on long-haul flights.
Regarding travel costs, the company ruled out fare increases despite the recent surge in oil prices. Although crude oil prices reached nearly $120 per barrel following tensions in the Middle East, the airline utilizes hedging mechanisms to mitigate the impact.
“At this time, we are not making adjustments, and we are seeing that demand continues to grow,” Colunga stated. The director specified that they do not anticipate changes in passenger fares unless the conflict in the Middle East escalates beyond its current state.