This year, Iberia is celebrating the 75th anniversary of their inaugural flight between Madrid and Santander, which took place on July 4, 1950, with a Douglas DC-3 aircraft.
On Wednesday (January 22, 2025), Iberia announced the celebration of 75 years of service between Madrid and Santander. Celebrating the milestone, the Government of Cantabria and Iberia have reaffirmed at FITUR 2025 their commitment to connectivity on the route. Iberia’s inaugural Madrid-Santander flight took place on July 4, 1950, with a Douglas DC-3 with capacity for up to 28 passengers and 2-3 crew. The aircraft had a cruising speed of 280 km/h, and as the cabin was not pressurized, flew below 4,000 meters in altitude. At that time the route was operated three times a week, but Iberia now offers up to 22 weekly flights between Madrid and Santander.
Due to the close relationship between Iberia and Cantabria, over the years several aircraft have been Christened with names related to this autonomous community. In 1967, a 100-passenger Douglas DC-9/32 featuring 10 First and 90 Tourist Class seats was named ‘Ciudad de Santander’ (City of Santander). Then, in 2005, an Airbus A321 with capacity for between 186 and 194 passengers was named ‘Cantabria.’ In 2017 Iberia presented an Airbus A321 with a special livery promoting Cantabria and the Cabárceno Nature Park.
Iberia Celebrates 75 Years of Service Between Madrid and Santander - Courtesy Iberia
Currently, Iberia offers up to 22 weekly flights between Madrid and Santander with one-way fares from €35. Further improving connectivity, the carrier has included an extra overnight stay at the Cantabrian airport, ensuring early morning flights at least four days per week between Monday and Friday.
Source: Iberia