Iberia and China Southern Sign New Codeshare Agreement to Boost Connectivity Between China, Europe and Latin America
A New Strategic Partnership Linking Guangzhou and Madrid
Iberia and China Southern Airlines have signed a major codeshare agreement that strengthens air connectivity between China, Europe and Latin America.
The partnership centers on China Southern’s newly launched Guangzhou – Madrid service, which now operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Through the agreement, Iberia will place its IB code on China Southern’s Madrid – Guangzhou flight and onward connections to major Chinese cities.
In return, China Southern will place its CZ code on Iberia’s domestic Spanish routes and several long-haul services to Latin America, significantly expanding options for passengers travelling between the regions.
Expanding Iberia’s Footprint Across Asia
This move forms a key part of Iberia’s Asia strategy, complementing its existing daily Madrid – Doha service and four weekly flights to Tokyo. Spain’s geographical position already makes Madrid a natural bridge linking Latin America with Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The codeshare further strengthens Madrid Barajas Airport as a global hub, giving Iberia’s customers seamless access to China Southern’s extensive domestic network through Guangzhou.
For travellers flying from China, the agreement unlocks smooth connections to Iberia’s 46 domestic Spanish destinations, 10 routes to the United States and 18 destinations across Latin America.
Benefits for Travellers and Loyalty Members
Iberia Plus members will be able to earn Avios on Iberia-coded flights operated by China Southern. However, it remains unclear whether the partnership will include additional perks, such as status recognition or Avios redemption on China Southern-operated services.
Industry analysts note that codeshares outside major alliances often create mixed outcomes for frequent flyers. China Southern left SkyTeam in 2019 and has long been rumoured as a potential Oneworld candidate, although no formal progress has been announced.
Supporting Iberia’s Long-Term Growth Strategy
The partnership aligns with Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030, a €6 billion investment roadmap focused on fleet renewal, digitalisation and expanded global connectivity. Iberia plans to grow its long-haul fleet from 48 to 70 aircraft, while also opening new routes such as Orlando, Recife, Fortaleza, Monterrey and Toronto.
Chief Commercial Officer María Jesús López Solás described the agreement as “a decisive step” in Iberia’s global expansion and a significant strengthening of Madrid’s role as an intercontinental hub.
By linking China and Latin America more efficiently, the codeshare is expected to support economic, cultural and tourism flows across three continents.
Enhanced Connectivity for a Growing Global Market
China Southern emphasised that the cooperation will improve transfer options at both hubs, expand destination reach and support the growth of travel between China, Europe and Latin America.
The Guangzhou – Madrid route, launched in early December, creates the first direct air link between the two cities in years. Together, Iberia and China Southern aim to meet rising demand for long-haul travel and streamline connections between some of the world’s most important commercial regions.