Iberia Expands European Network with New Routes Summer 2026

Get ready to pack your sunscreen and your sense of adventure — because Iberia is turning up the heat for summer 2026 with not one, but two brand-new European destinations. The Spanish flag carrier is spreading its wings to Bucharest, Romania, and Tivat, Montenegro, proving that your next vacation can have both castles and coastline, all without breaking your flight budget.

And if that wasn’t enough, Iberia’s also giving some of Europe’s most beloved summer spots an extra dose of love — more flights, more flexibility, and more chances to sneak in that “one last getaway” before reality hits again.

So, let’s dive in.

New Routes, New Adventures

First up on Iberia’s 2026 travel bingo card: Madrid to Bucharest — the route for anyone who’s ever wanted to explore the charm of Eastern Europe without having to google, “How do I get there cheaply from Spain?”

Starting 3 June 2026, Iberia will operate flights twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, connecting Madrid to the lively Romanian capital. This new route will run until 30 September 2026, just long enough for you to explore everything from Bucharest’s Belle Époque boulevards to Transylvania’s Dracula-approved castles.

It’s not just about sightseeing, though. Bucharest is becoming a serious player in Europe’s digital and business scene — and Iberia’s new flights make it easier than ever for professionals (and the occasional overworked freelancer) to zip between Madrid and Romania with a little more style and a lot less layover. Plus, the route’s perfect timing ensures smooth connections to North and Latin America, helping travelers link up between continents faster than you can say paella meets papanasi.

Need assistance with groups and incentives in Bucharest? Contact this amazing DMC!

Meanwhile, Over in Montenegro…

If Romania’s capital sounds too urban for your taste, Iberia’s second addition might be your perfect match. Starting 18 July 2026, Iberia will make its debut in Montenegro, with direct flights from Madrid to Tivat, operating Tuesdays and Saturdays until 15 September 2026.

Now, if you’ve never heard of Tivat, don’t worry — you’ve definitely seen it on Instagram. Nestled along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, this small but mighty destination is your gateway to Kotor Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like someone dropped Norway’s fjords into the Mediterranean.

Tivat is also where superyachts go to show off and where travelers go to pretend they own one. From seaside promenades to the nearby medieval town of Kotor, it’s a mix of glam, history, and natural beauty that will make you wonder why you didn’t go sooner.

For Iberia, this is more than just another summer destination — it’s a new frontier. The airline is expanding east and south, adding flair to its network and giving Madrid another bragging right as Europe’s connection point for literally everything fun.

A Whole Lot of Familiar Favorites Return

Of course, what’s a summer without the classics? Iberia is bringing back its much-loved seasonal routes to all the places you wish you could move to: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb in Croatia; Catania and Palermo in Italy; Corfu, Mykonos, and Santorini in Greece; Funchal and Ponta Delgada in Portugal; Tirana in Albania; and Ljubljana in Slovenia.

Basically, if you’ve ever seen a European postcard that made you sigh dramatically, Iberia’s probably flying there this summer.

More Flights, Fewer Excuses

If you’re a fan of flexibility — or simply hate the phrase “fully booked” — Iberia’s also boosting capacity across some of its busiest European routes:

• Milan will see up to 44 weekly flights (two more than before — because who doesn’t love a quick espresso and gelato run?).
• Athens gets up to 29 weekly flights during peak season, perfect for those chasing both sunshine and souvlaki.
• Nice will enjoy 24 weekly flights, adding three more chances per week to channel your inner Riviera movie star.

All this expansion supports Iberia’s 2030 Flight Plan, which aims to strengthen Madrid’s role as the ultimate connector between Europe and the Americas — or, in simpler terms, the place where you can go from tapas to tango in a single stop.

More Than Just an Airline Strategy — It’s a Summer Lifestyle

With these new routes and frequency boosts, Iberia isn’t just scheduling flights — it’s curating summer moods. Whether you’re drawn to Bucharest’s cultural buzz, Tivat’s coastal glam, or the endless appeal of Europe’s sun-soaked classics, the airline’s 2026 lineup makes it ridiculously easy to find your perfect escape.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to plan that European adventure — this is it. Iberia’s done the hard part (the logistics). All you have to do is pick between Romanian castles or Montenegrin beaches.

And if you can’t decide? Simple. Fly to both. Iberia’s got the routes covered — and they’re ready for takeoff.