Tourexpi
Air connectivity to Spain continues to expand ahead of
the autumn season. Nearly 13.1 million seats are scheduled on international
flights to the country in September 2026, according to the latest air capacity
figures released by Turespaña.
The total represents a 7.4% increase compared with
September 2025, when airlines offered around 12.2 million seats. Capacity is
growing in most of Spain’s major source markets, although the pace of expansion
varies considerably between countries.
Italy leads growth among major markets
The United Kingdom remains on a positive trajectory,
with scheduled capacity increasing by 8.7% year on year. Italy records the
strongest growth among Spain’s major source markets, with the number of
available seats rising by 13.2%.
Growth from Germany is more moderate at 3.4%, while
France remains almost unchanged from last year, with capacity increasing by
just 0.4%.
The figures indicate that airlines continue to expand
their Spanish programmes beyond the peak summer months, with September
retaining substantial international capacity.
Poland and Turkey continue rapid expansion
Poland once again stands out among the fastest-growing
markets. Scheduled capacity for September is expected to increase by more than
33% compared with the same month last year.
Turkey is also recording significant expansion, with
the number of seats scheduled on flights to Spain rising by 19.3% year on year.
The United States presents a different picture. After
previous increases in transatlantic capacity, growth has slowed substantially,
with September seat numbers expected to rise by only 0.3% compared with
September 2025.
Mexico grows while Colombia slips slightly
Among Spain’s Latin American source markets, Mexico
and Colombia account for the largest volumes of scheduled capacity.
Mexico continues to expand strongly, with 11.6% more
seats planned than a year earlier. Colombia, by contrast, records a slight
contraction. Scheduled capacity is 0.9% below the level registered in September
2025.
Overall, the September figures point to continued
growth in Spain’s international air connectivity, driven not only by its
traditional European markets but increasingly by rapidly expanding connections
with countries such as Poland and Turkey.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration
The most interesting news
Read the News

WTTC aims to support one million tourism SMEs worldwide
New research suggests that improving productivity among smaller tourism businesses could generate an additional US$63 billion in direct tourism GDP across eight major economies
Read the News

European travel and tourism growth to reach 3.1% in 2026
WTTC forecasts stronger growth than the wider economy as more than 1,000 industry leaders gather in Malta for the organisation’s Global Summit
Read the News

Atlas Ocean Voyages expands Antarctica programme for 2028/29
The cruise line introduces 25 polar expeditions, more fly-and-sail departures and extended itineraries reaching South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Circle
Read the News

Lufthansa named Best European Airline at Asian travel awards
Travel industry professionals across Asia recognise Lufthansa as the airline prepares to introduce its new Allegris cabins on flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
Read the News

Biman Bangladesh Airlines orders 10 Airbus aircraft for fleet expansion
The national carrier plans to introduce A350-900 and A321neo aircraft from 2033, strengthening long-haul and regional operations alongside major Boeing orders
Read the News

Ryanair to suspend all Bremen flights from April 2027
The airline plans to withdraw 500,000 annual seats from the German airport, citing high operating costs and aviation taxes as it shifts capacity to other European markets
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands Japan network to 50 weekly flights
Lufthansa will return to Nagoya and add daily Frankfurt–Tokyo Narita services as the group significantly increases Japan capacity for Summer 2027
Read the News

LOT Polish Airlines launches direct Warsaw–Bangkok flights
The new connection strengthens Thailand’s access to Central European markets, with five weekly flights planned for winter and Polish arrivals expected to reach 250,000 in 2026
Read the News

Silversea adds 103 voyages for 2028-2029 season
The new collection spans 56 countries and introduces culinary sailings, 29 new ports and a 75-night circumnavigation of South America
Read the News

Holland America Line to add Arcadia as 12th ship in 2029
The Vista Class vessel will transfer from P&O Cruises, adding capacity for more than 2,000 guests and supporting Holland America’s fleet modernization program
Read the News

Six Mexican beaches rank among the Americas’ best in 2026
Tulum takes second place in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, while destinations in Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Nayarit also receive recognition
Read the News

Da Nang strengthens MICE appeal with new Marriott event facilities
Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River offers 13 meeting venues, a rooftop event space and 296 rooms as the Vietnamese city targets nearly 93,000 business event visitors in 2026
Read the News

Delta expands free Wi-Fi to trans-Pacific flights in October
The airline has secured regulatory approval to extend Delta Sync connectivity across its Pacific network, completing the final major stage of its global Wi-Fi rollout
Read the News

Phuket Vegetarian Festival brings Hokkien traditions to the streets
The nine-day celebration from 10 to 18 October combines shrine ceremonies, processions and centuries-old rituals across Phuket City
Read the News

Thailand plans tourism experiences for transit passengers
New partnership between tourism and aviation organisations aims to turn longer flight connections into short visits to local attractions, restaurants and communities
Read the News

Tempo by Hilton to make German debut at Munich Airport Arena
The 199-room lifestyle hotel is scheduled to open in 2029 as part of the new MUNICH ARENA entertainment campus near Munich Airport
Read the News

Hyatt Centric Sapporo opens as new base for exploring Hokkaido
The 216-room property is the Hyatt Centric brand’s first hotel in Hokkaido, combining a central Sapporo location with a strong focus on regional design and cuisine
Read the News

TransNusa increases Jakarta–Singapore flights to four daily
Indonesian carrier expands capacity on the busy regional route, offering additional evening connections for business and leisure travellers
Read the News

Marriott identifies local cuisine as Asia Pacific’s leading dining trend
New Future of Food 2027 report highlights growing demand for regional flavours, informal dining spaces and shorter fine-dining experiences
Read the News

IHG opens InterContinental Taipei with 347 rooms and seven restaurants
Located within the Taipei Dome complex, the new luxury hotel strengthens IHG’s presence in Taiwan and expands its partnership with Farglory Group
Read the News

WTTC identifies eight priorities to strengthen European tourism
New research forecasts Europe’s travel and tourism economy will reach US$3.8 trillion by 2036, but warns that investment, connectivity and workforce shortages require urgent policy attention