Spanish carrier Iberia is increasing its European network during the summer 2024 season with the addition of four new routes to cities in Albania, Italy and Slovenia.

From March 28, the airline will begin flying to Albanian capital Tirana from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD). Frequencies to Tirana’s Nënë Tereza International Airport will be three times a week using Airbus A320neo aircraft with capacity for 186 passengers. Iberia says it plans to offer more than 32,000 seats between the cities during the season.

The new service will see the Oneworld alliance member compete with Wizz Air, which currently operates the sector twice a week aboard A320s. Data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser shows the ULCC intends to fly the route three times per week during summer 2024.

A second new destination will join Iberia’s network from July 29 when flights to Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana commence. The route between MAD and Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport will be served twice a week with A320neos until Sept. 5. It is currently scheduled to be the sole nonstop connection between Spain and Slovenia.

Next summer will also see Iberia offer direct flights to two additional destinations in Italy: Cagliari and Palermo. Until now, both were operated each summer with Iberia Regional Air Nostrum and Iberia Express aircraft.

Flights from MAD to Cagliari Elmas Airport will start on July 29, with Palermo Airport beginning the following day. Both routes will be served up to three times per week. The move means Iberia will offer flights to 12 Italian destinations: Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Florence, Milan, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Rome, Turin and Venice.

Ryanair serves the Madrid-Palermo market at present, flying three times per week. OAG data shows the schedule is in place until late March. Additionally, the Irish ULCC has scheduled a 2X-weekly Madrid-Cagliari service that will operate from the start of the summer season.