Madrid expands its global connectivity with the inauguration of a new Madrid – Doha direct flight, by Iberia Airlines. The Spanish capital is now more accessible to the Middle East than ever before, thanks to this daily A330-200 service, designed to accommodate 288 passengers in both business and tourist class. This development marks a strategic advancement in Madrid’s global tourism and business endeavors, expected to significantly increase visitor flow from the Middle East.
Almudena Maíllo, the city’s delegate councilor for Tourism, graced the inaugural flight from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. She emphasized that this new air connection is a strategic promotional leap for Madrid, considering the robust growth of the Gulf region’s economies, which surged above 4% in 2022, with expectations of continued growth.
The new route not only eases travel to Madrid but also connects the city to 18 destinations across the Middle East. It is estimated to bring over 40,000 passengers annually to Madrid, generating an economic impact of 55 million euros in its first year. The route enhances Madrid’s tourism appeal, attracting high-value travelers noted for extended stays and significant spending.
This air route initiative is part of strategic actions in air connectivity driven by Madrid Turismo by Ifema. It’s supported by the Madrid Tourism Experts’ Table, comprising regional government, city council, and key tourism businesses and associations. The collaboration aims to amplify Madrid’s international tourism promotion, leveraging a unique approach that combines public and private sector resources for comprehensive and sustainable destination management.
Highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in strategic positioning, Maíllo praised the public-private collaboration with Madrid Turismo by IFEMA and the Madrid Tourism Experts’ Table. She noted Madrid’s success as a destination for living, visiting, and investing, citing the city’s recognition as the best business tourism destination for five consecutive years and as one of the top four urban tourist destinations globally.
Madrid aims to affirm its status as Southern Europe’s premier hub, a gateway for Latin America, the United States, and now Asia. The city is already ranked in the top five, trailing only behind major global hubs like London-Heathrow, Istanbul, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam’s Schiphol.
In 2022, the Madrid region welcomed 225,746 visitors from the Middle East, according to FRONTUR data. The January-October 2023 period has seen a 36% increase in travelers from the region compared to the same period last year, surpassing the total 2022 figures. The spending power of these travelers is significant, with a total expenditure of 26.6 million euros in Madrid from January to June 2023, marking a 42.3% increase from the previous year.
The Middle East market is crucial for Madrid’s tourism industry, and this new flight route to Doha is a testament to the city’s strategic vision for global connectivity and tourism growth. With this enhanced link, Madrid is set to welcome an influx of high-value travelers and strengthen its position as a key international hub.
