Iberia is set to commence its inaugural direct flights connecting Madrid with Tivat on 18 July, marking the introduction of a new route aimed at enhancing travel options during Montenegro’s peak tourism season.
The Spanish airline plans to utilize Airbus A320 aircraft for this service, which will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays until 15 September. Over this two-month period, a total of 6,300 seats will be available for travelers. The outbound flight, designated as IB865, is scheduled to depart Madrid at 10:40 AM and arrive in Tivat at 1:45 PM, with the return flight leaving Tivat at 2:30 PM.
This schedule translates to approximately 3,150 inbound seats, which may not significantly alter the overall tourism figures for Montenegro. However, the route holds strategic importance by providing direct access to the Spanish market and facilitating connections through Iberia’s extensive Latin American network. This development aims to diversify the coastal tourism landscape that has traditionally relied on visitors from regional, central, and eastern European countries.
The primary beneficiaries of this new service are expected to be locations around the Bay of Kotor, including Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay, and Portonovi, as well as upscale hotels in the area. Additionally, this route could enhance the investment appeal for internationally recognized hospitality brands looking to attract a more varied clientele.
The potential for extending this service beyond September will hinge on factors such as passenger load factors, ticket pricing, and Tivat Airport’s capacity to manage passenger traffic during busy summer periods. The limited operational timeframe may restrict Iberia’s ability to cultivate consistent demand; however, a successful initial season could pave the way for an earlier launch or an extended schedule in 2027.
