Iberia Introduces Rare Reverse Redeye Flight from Madrid to Dallas
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Iberia is shaking up its transatlantic schedule with a rare and innovative addition: a reverse redeye flight from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), starting in the IATA winter 2025–2026 season. This move marks the first and only reverse redeye service currently scheduled between Western Europe and the United States.
New Winter Schedule Details
Through October 27, 2025, Iberia’s route between Madrid (MAD) and Dallas (DFW) operates on a conventional transatlantic timetable:
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IB363: Madrid to Dallas – Departs 4:00 PM, Arrives 8:10 PM
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IB364: Dallas to Madrid – Departs 9:40 PM, Arrives 2:20 PM (+1 day)
However, beginning October 28, 2025, the schedule shifts significantly:
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IB363: Madrid to Dallas – Departs 12:55 AM, Arrives 5:30 AM
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IB364: Dallas to Madrid – Departs 1:55 PM, Arrives 6:15 AM (+1 day)
This new westbound service offers a unique overnight departure from Europe, landing in the U.S. early in the morning—a format more common in southbound transatlantic flights to South America but nearly unheard of on U.S.-bound routes from Western Europe.
Efficiency and Connectivity Benefits
The reverse redeye schedule allows for a full day in Madrid before departure, and an early morning arrival in Dallas optimizes onward connection opportunities across the U.S. domestic network. The previous arrival time of 8:10 PM limited same-day connecting options; by contrast, a 5:30 AM arrival positions travelers to reach most U.S. cities with ease that same morning.
Despite a less efficient aircraft turnaround time—requiring the aircraft to remain on the ground in Dallas for over eight hours before its return leg—the move may be well-suited to Iberia’s winter scheduling availability, when spare aircraft capacity is typically more abundant.
Context and Industry Impact
While daytime eastbound flights from the U.S. to Europe are relatively rare, there are virtually no westbound redeyes from Western Europe to the United States. Turkish Airlines offers a few similar schedules from Istanbul, but this Iberia service is the only example from Western Europe.
Reverse redeyes face operational and logistical challenges:
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Airport curfews: Many major hubs like London Heathrow (LHR) and Frankfurt (FRA) restrict late-night departures.
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Time zone disparities: An early morning arrival in the U.S. could conflict with connecting flight schedules.
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Flight duration limitations: Longer routes (e.g., London to Los Angeles) don’t lend themselves well to the reverse redeye concept.
Nevertheless, for shorter westbound routes such as Madrid–Dallas or Lisbon–Miami, the model has clear practical benefits. Iberia’s move could set a precedent for creative scheduling where feasible.
Bottom Line
Iberia will launch a rare reverse redeye flight from Madrid (MAD) to Dallas (DFW) beginning October 28, 2025, with a 12:55 AM departure and a 5:30 AM same-day arrival. This unique schedule enhances transatlantic connectivity while offering passengers increased flexibility and a productive travel window. As the only reverse redeye service between Western Europe and the U.S., it may signal growing interest in nontraditional long-haul schedules tailored to both operational efficiency and traveler convenience.
Would you take a reverse redeye? If this route proves successful, it may not be the last of its kind.
