Spain-based Grupo Globalia announced January 4 that its Air Europa airline subsidiary will launch three-times-a-week nonstop service between Medellin and Madrid starting June 1.

The company will employ new Boeing 787-9 “Dreamliner” jets, which can cut 40 minutes off flying time compared to competing jets on the same routes, according to Globalia.

Service to and from Medellin will be offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, offering new competition to Iberia’s and Avianca's existing nonstop flights between Medellin and Madrid.

Fare Comparisons

Air Europa was quoting a COP$2 million (US$626) fare for round-trip nonstop Medellin (MDE)-Madrid(MAD)-MDE for flights starting June 1. Iberia meanwhile was quoting COP$2.13 million (US$668) if including two pieces of luggage in the plane's belly, or no belly luggage (just carry-on) for COP$1,84 million (US$576) for June nonstop RT flights.

As for Avianca's June flights, it was quoting non-stop MDE-MAD-MDE (but not on same days as Air Europa nor Iberia) at COP$2,673,150 (US$848) including taxes and surcharges; fares for flights originating in Colombia  include the airport tax.

From its Madrid hub, Air Europa offers flights to 16 European destinations as well as 22 cities in Spain, according to the company.

Medellin’s international airport (Jose Maria Cordova, JMC) also offers other nonstop international flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Orlando, Mexico City, Cancun, El Salvador, Panama, Buenos Aires, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, plus seasonal service to Dominican Republic, Aruba and Curazao.

JMC processed 8 million passengers through its domestic and international terminals during 2018.