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Best Flights to Spain: Your Ultimate Guide to Reaching the Iberian Peninsula
AviationOutlook
January 04, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
Spain continues to solidify its position as one of Europe’s most accessible destinations in 2026.
With major airlines expanding routes and introducing new services, travelers from every corner of the globe can now reach Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities more conveniently than ever before.
Whether you’re planning a flamenco adventure in Seville or a tapas tour through Barcelona, here’s your comprehensive guide to the best flights to Spain.
Table of Contents
Best Flights to Spain from North America
1. United Airlines: Newark to Madrid and Barcelona
United Airlines operates at least five flights weekly to both Barcelona and Madrid from Newark. The airline is expanding significantly in 2026, launching the first-ever nonstop service from Newark to Santiago de Compostela starting May 22, 2026.
This groundbreaking route opens up access to Spain’s northwestern region, famous for its pilgrimage routes and stunning Galician coastline.
2. American Airlines: Year-Round Daily Service
American Airlines provides daily flights throughout the year to both Barcelona and Madrid. Their consistent schedule makes them a reliable choice for business travelers and vacationers alike.
The airline operates from major hubs including New York JFK, Miami, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles.
Delta offers daily flights to Madrid and three weekly flights to Barcelona. The airline is known for its premium cabin offerings and comfortable transatlantic service.
Frequent flyers appreciate Delta’s SkyMiles program and partnerships with European carriers.
Airline | Madrid Routes | Barcelona Routes | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
United Airlines | Daily from EWR | 5x weekly from EWR | Year-round |
American Airlines | Daily from multiple hubs | Daily from multiple hubs | Year-round |
Delta Airlines | Daily from ATL, JFK | 3x weekly | Year-round |
4. Iberia: Direct Toronto Connection
Iberia launched a new direct route between Madrid and Toronto beginning June 13, 2026. The service operates five times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
This expansion strengthens Canada’s connection to Spain’s capital.
Best Flights to Spain from Europe
5. Wizz Air: Budget-Friendly UK Connections
Wizz Air is dramatically expanding its Spanish network starting March 2026. The low-cost carrier now offers daily flights between Barcelona and London Luton, plus multiple weekly services connecting Bilbao, Valencia, and Seville to London.
Their competitive pricing makes Spain accessible to budget-conscious travelers across the UK.
6. Air France and KLM: European Hub Connections
Both Air France and KLM provide excellent connectivity through their Paris and Amsterdam hubs respectively. Travelers benefit from seamless connections to Madrid, Barcelona, and regional Spanish airports.
These Star Alliance carriers offer premium business class products and frequent flyer benefits.
7. Iberia and Vueling: Domestic and Continental Leaders
Iberia operates up to 26 daily flights on the Barcelona-Madrid route through its codeshare agreement with Vueling. The partnership provides unmatched frequency for travelers moving between Spain’s two largest cities.
Vueling has expanded capacity significantly, adding 1.5 million seats this winter season to serve regional Spanish destinations.
TOP EUROPEAN CARRIERS TO SPAIN
--------------------------------
Wizz Air: Ultra-low-cost, expanding UK routes
Air France: Premium service via Paris CDG
KLM: Amsterdam hub connectivity
Iberia: Spain's flagship carrier
Vueling: Regional specialist
Ryanair: Budget option (reduced 2026 capacity)
Best Flights to Spain from Asia / Middle East
8. Qatar Airways: Doha Connection Excellence
Qatar Airways offers premium service to both Madrid and Barcelona via Doha’s state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport. The airline’s award-winning business class makes the journey comfortable despite the stopover.
Asian travelers benefit from convenient connections throughout the Middle East hub.
9. Emirates: Dubai Gateway
Emirates connects Spain with Asia through Dubai International Airport. Passengers enjoy the airline’s renowned hospitality and modern fleet featuring A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
The Dubai hub provides excellent connectivity from India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Singapore Airlines serves Spain through European hub partners. The airline’s exceptional service standards and comfortable cabins make the journey pleasant, even with connections.
Travelers from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond value their reliability.
11. Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca
Etihad Airways launches a groundbreaking seasonal service from Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca in June 2026. This marks the first direct connection between the UAE and the Balearic Islands.
The service runs through mid-September, perfect for summer beach vacations.
12. Turkish Airlines: Istanbul Hub Advantage
Turkish Airlines provides comprehensive coverage to Spanish destinations through Istanbul. The airline’s modern fleet and competitive pricing make it a popular choice for Middle Eastern and Central Asian travelers.
Istanbul Airport’s new terminal offers seamless connections.
Middle East Carrier | Spanish Destinations | Hub | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Etihad Airways | Palma de Mallorca | Abu Dhabi | Seasonal (June-Sept) |
Qatar Airways | Madrid, Barcelona | Doha | Year-round |
Emirates | Madrid, Barcelona | Dubai | Year-round |
Turkish Airlines | Multiple cities | Istanbul | Year-round |
Best Flights to Spain from South America
13. LATAM Airlines: South American Gateway
LATAM Airlines connects major South American cities to Spain with comfortable lie-flat seats in business class. The airline serves routes from Buenos Aires, Santiago, and São Paulo to Madrid and Barcelona.
Their extensive South American network makes connections convenient.
14. Iberia: Madrid Connection Hub
Iberia maintains strong ties between Spain and Latin America, operating frequent flights from Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Bogotá. As Spain’s flagship carrier, they offer cultural familiarity and Spanish-language service.
Premium Economy cabins provide good value on long-haul routes.
15. Avianca: Colombian Connectivity
Avianca serves Spain from Colombian and Central American gateways. The airline provides competitive fares from Bogotá and other regional hubs to Madrid and Barcelona.
Star Alliance membership enables easy connections throughout Europe.
Best Flights to Spain from Australia and Oceania
16. Etihad Airways: Perth and Sydney Routes
Etihad Airways offers connections from Australian cities through Abu Dhabi. Fares from Perth to Spain start around AUD 1,606 in November 2026, representing good value for the distance.
Their partnership with Virgin Australia streamlines domestic connections.
17. Qatar Airways: Melbourne and Brisbane Service
Qatar Airways provides daily flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane to Doha, with onward connections to Madrid and Barcelona. The airline’s modern A350 aircraft feature on many Australian routes.
Business class passengers enjoy Qsuite privacy and comfort.
18. Singapore Airlines: Asian Hub Connection
Singapore Airlines connects Australian cities through its Singapore hub, offering seamless transfers to European destinations, including Spain. The airline’s reputation for service excellence appeals to premium travelers.
Their A380 service from Sydney and Melbourne is particularly popular.
AUSTRALIAN TRAVELERS' OPTIONS
------------------------------
Stopover Hub: Abu Dhabi (Etihad)
Stopover Hub: Doha (Qatar Airways)
Stopover Hub: Singapore (Singapore Airlines)
Stopover Hub: Dubai (Emirates)
Typical Journey Time: 22-26 hours (including layovers)
Best Booking Window: 2-4 months in advance
Best Flights to Spain from Africa
19. Royal Air Maroc: North African Gateway
Royal Air Maroc connects Casablanca with Madrid and Barcelona, providing crucial links for North African travelers. New seasonal routes from Bilbao to Casablanca launch in 2026, expanding Spain-Morocco connectivity.
The airline’s geographic position makes it ideal for African connections.
20. Ethiopian Airlines: Sub-Saharan Connection
Ethiopian Airlines serves Spain through its Addis Ababa hub, connecting East and Southern Africa to Madrid. The airline’s modern Boeing 787 fleet provides comfort on these long-haul routes.
Their Star Alliance membership facilitates European connections.
21. South African Airways Partners: Cape Town Links
Travelers from South Africa can reach Spain through partnerships with European carriers. Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France all offer connections from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Spanish destinations.
Winter months (June-August) see increased demand from South African vacationers.
My Final Thoughts
Spain’s aviation landscape in 2026 demonstrates unprecedented global connectivity.
The expansion of routes from United Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Wizz Air reflects growing demand for Spanish destinations. Travelers now have more options than ever, whether seeking budget-friendly connections or premium service.
Book between four months and three weeks before departure to secure the best fares. February typically offers the lowest prices, while summer months command premium rates.
Regional Spanish airports beyond Madrid and Barcelona are becoming increasingly accessible. Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao, and Palma de Mallorca now feature direct international connections, making Spain’s diverse regions easier to explore.
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