IAG Cargo is strengthening its strategic presence across Latin America with the launch of two new long-haul cargo routes connecting Spain with key commercial and industrial markets in Mexico and Peru, further expanding trade opportunities between Europe and the region.
The cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) confirmed that new services linking Madrid with Monterrey and Barcelona with Lima will commence in June 2026 as part of the carrier’s broader summer network expansion strategy.
The launch comes at a time when Latin America continues to emerge as a critical growth market for global air cargo, driven by manufacturing diversification, nearshoring trends, perishables exports, pharmaceutical logistics, and expanding e-commerce flows.
At the same time, IAG Cargo has advised customers that due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, certain regional flights may face temporary operational impacts, with an Exceptional Circumstances Surcharge potentially applicable to shipments affected by the evolving geopolitical environment.
First Direct Madrid–Monterrey Cargo Connection
The new Madrid–Monterrey service, scheduled to begin operations on 2 June 2026, will operate three times weekly and represents the first direct cargo connection established by IAG Cargo between Spain and Northern Mexico.
The route is expected to create new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and freight forwarders moving goods between Europe and one of Mexico’s most significant industrial and manufacturing centres.
Monterrey has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic hub for automotive, aerospace, electronics, and advanced manufacturing industries, supported by growing nearshoring investment linked to North American supply chain realignment.
Industry analysts note that demand for air cargo connectivity into Northern Mexico has accelerated as global manufacturers seek alternatives to longer Asian supply chains and expand regional production capabilities closer to the United States market.
By introducing direct capacity between Madrid and Monterrey, IAG Cargo aims to improve transit efficiency and strengthen trade corridors supporting industrial production, automotive components, aerospace equipment, technology products, and high-value cargo flows.
Barcelona–Lima Route Supports Perishables and Pharma Trade
In parallel, IAG Cargo will launch a new three-times-weekly service between Barcelona and Lima beginning 3 June 2026.
The new route is expected to support growing trade volumes between Spain and Peru, particularly within the perishables, pharmaceutical, and premium cargo sectors.
Peru remains one of Latin America’s leading exporters of fresh produce, seafood, flowers, and temperature-sensitive agricultural products, all of which rely heavily on reliable air cargo capacity to access European markets.
The service will also strengthen pharmaceutical logistics flows between Europe and South America, an area experiencing rising demand as healthcare supply chains across the region continue to expand.
Spain’s Strategic Role in Global Cargo Connectivity
Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo, said the new routes reinforce Spain’s growing importance as a gateway connecting Europe with Latin America and other international markets.
“Latin America remains one of the most important regions in global air cargo, with strong and diverse trade flows connecting producers, manufacturers and consumers across continents,” said Garcia Cervera.
“These new routes from Madrid and Barcelona expand the reach of our Spanish hubs and reinforce the role of Spain as a key gateway for cargo moving between the region and Europe.”
He added that the Madrid–Monterrey route, in particular, establishes a direct connection that had not previously existed within the carrier’s network.
“The new Madrid-Monterrey service in particular creates a direct link for the first time, supporting trade flows between Europe and Northern Mexico.”
The new services form part of IAG Cargo’s wider summer operating programme, which includes approximately 275 weekly widebody connections from its Spanish hubs to destinations across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Expanding Global Cargo Solutions
Through its hubs in London, Madrid, Dublin, and Barcelona, IAG Cargo continues to strengthen its global cargo footprint across six continents.
The company noted that London alone provides cargo capacity on more than 700 weekly widebody services, while Dublin continues to serve as a major transatlantic gateway with around 100 weekly widebody rotations.
Alongside network growth, IAG Cargo has also continued expanding its specialist logistics product portfolio. This includes the recent introduction of its Aircraft on Ground (AOG) service, developed to support the rapid transport of critical aircraft components and minimise operational disruption for airline customers.
Industry observers view the latest route additions as part of a broader competitive push among international cargo carriers to secure stronger positions within high-growth Latin American trade lanes amid ongoing shifts in global manufacturing, sourcing, and supply chain strategies.
