Iberia launches two new routes to Brazil, bookable on Avios and with 2-4-1 vouchers

We recently covered Iberia’s announcement of flights to Orlando this winter.

This wasn’t the only news this week. Iberia is doubling down (literally) on its services to Brazil.

Current flights from Madrid to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will be joined by Fortaleza and Recife.

These flights will only operate for the winter season, taking advantage of the new A321XLR aircraft coming into the Iberia fleet. With low seat capacity, low costs and a long range it is the ideal aircraft for ‘thinner’ routes.

Recife will launch on 13th December 2025 with three flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday) increasing to five from February. Image directly below.

Fortaleza will launch on 19th January 2026 with three flights per week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday), increasing to four from February. This is the bottom image below.

Rhys reviewed the Iberia A321XLR business class seat here so you can see what you will be getting.

To quote Iberia:

Their magnificent beaches and pleasant climate make Recife and Fortaleza two of the main tourist destinations in northeast Brazil, which can be visited at any time of year.

Bathed by the Capibaribe, Beberibe, and Jordão rivers, Recife is known as the Brazilian Venice due to the city’s numerous bridges. It boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage, and its carnival is considered one of the most fun and popular in Brazil. Recife is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, boasting more than 30 shipwrecks.

Likewise, one of Fortaleza’s main tourist attractions are the beaches of Iracema, Meireles, and Do Futuro. The city also bears the marks of its past in numerous buildings, such as the Fortress of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Palace of Light.

In total, during the 2025-2026 winter season, Iberia will fly to four destinations in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, and Fortaleza, and will offer nearly 284,000 seats between Spain and this region.

How to book with Avios

These flights are bookable with Avios although – with services only running until late March – there won’t be many seats to go around. Remember that British Airways 2-4-1 American Express companion vouchers can be used on Iberia as long as you book via ba.com.

The Avios cost from Madrid to Recife is:

• Economy – 22,000 or 28,000 Avios each way, off-peak or peak

• Business – 34,000 or 50,000 Avios each way

As you can see, Business Class is EXCEPTIONALLY good value although most of the seats seem to have already gone.

Taxes and charges are also very low – around £130 in Economy and £200 in Business, return.

The Iberia peak and off-peak dates are here.

You can look up pricing and availability on iberia.com here.

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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (April 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, and the standard card is FREE. Capital on Tap cards also have no FX fees.

There is also a British Airways American Express card for small businesses:

There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.