Air Europa launches direct Madrid‑Barranquilla flight as Colombian travel to Spain rises

Air Europa announced a new regular service linking Madrid and Barranquilla, set to begin on 18 December 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner aircraft, offering a non‑stop Atlantic crossing that previously required a connection through Bogotá or Medellín. The route was welcomed by Barranquilla mayor Alejandro Char, who said: “Con esta nueva conexión, Barranquilla no solo estará más cerca de Madrid, sino de toda Europa y el resto del mundo.”

Colombian migration to Spain remains significant. In 2025, 812,473 Colombians departed for Spain, making it the second‑most frequent destination after the United States. The Colombian community now leads requests for regularisation with about 26 % of all applications. Although overall emigration from Colombia is declining, those who choose Spain tend to stay longer, attracted by visa‑free entry for up to 90 days and established migration networks.