A powerful new chapter in global aviation is underway as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Iberia deepen their strategic partnership through a renewed pact, now formally endorsed by New Zealand regulators. This promises a broader, easier travel experience for passengers flying between Europe, the Middle East and New Zealand and will now run through 31 May 2030, marking a pivotal development in intercontinental travel.
This expanded joint venture is great news for travellers. In plain terms: more routes, more flexibility, and more ways Avios collectors can earn and spend Avios points.
Iberia Joins the Team – What’s Changing?
The inclusion of Iberia into the BA–Qatar Airways alliance formalises their role in the group’s global network and adds new flight options for customers. Previously, Iberia had limited codeshare agreements with these airlines, but now it’s a full joint-business partner with integrated schedules and coordination. Iberia operates a daily direct flight between its Madrid hub and Doha, Qatar - effectively bridging Iberia’s European network with Qatar Airways’ extensive Asian and African network via Doha.
What does that mean for you?
It means if you’re flying from Europe to Asia or Australasia (or vice versa), you have more options via Madrid and Doha. In fact, passengers can connect through three major hubs – London, Doha, and Madrid – to reach over 200 destinations worldwide.
For example, a traveller in Spain can now fly from Madrid to Doha on Iberia and onward to places like Sydney or Johannesburg on Qatar Airways, all on one single ticket.
Travellers flying from Auckland or Wellington can book streamlined itineraries to major European cities with fewer stopovers, and the alliance also ensures easier Qatar Airways flight booking processes, expanded access to Iberia flights, and shared check-in and customer support benefits across the carriers.
Flexible Itineraries
One major perk is the ability to mix and match flights on any of the three carriers in one itinerary. Passengers can use whichever airline’s schedule or routing best suits their needs at each leg of the journey. This kind of flexibility increases the chances of finding a schedule that perfectly fits their plans.
Smoother Connections and Transfers
The increased integration between the three airlines makes transfers smoother. All three airlines coordinate their schedules, reducing layover times and improving connection convenience. You’ll also enjoy through-checking of baggage and aligned customer service. It’s essentially like dealing with one large airline from the passenger perspective.
Consistent Quality and Cabin Experience
The collaboration maintains each airline’s onboard product while giving passengers access to a broader mix of in-flight experiences. For example, you can enjoy Iberia’s business class on one leg and Qatar’s award-winning Qsuite on another with one booking.
Codeshares and integration across three carriers
With Iberia now officially part of the alliance, this expands the group's codeshare network, meaning Iberia customers can now book flights that connect easily with British Airways and Qatar Airways routes, all on a single ticket.
The partnership also improves the overall travel transfer experience—passengers can check in once, have their luggage transferred automatically, and enjoy better-coordinated flight schedules.
The aim is long-term growth and making global travel smoother for customers. Plus, loyalty perks like earning and spending Avios now apply across all three airlines! Which means…
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Better Avios Rewards Across All Three Airlines
One of the most exciting developments for Avios collectors is that the loyalty programmes of BA, Iberia, and Qatar Airways are now more unified. All three airlines use Avios as their common loyalty currency.
If you’re part of BA Club, Iberia Plus, or Qatar Airways Privilege Club, you can earn Avios on any of the three airlines and spend Avios on any of them as well.
You can pool your Avios across all three programmes and redeem them with any partner airline—essentially unlocking triple the flexibility. That’s a seriously rewarding setup. Fly with any of the airlines and still work to achieve your Avios goals.
Did you know? Tier points and status progress can also be achieved across these airlines. Flights on Qatar Airways and Iberia will contribute to your British Airways Club tier status, and vice versa - tier climbing just got easier. Curious about how British Airways Tier Points work? You can find a full breakdown on our dedicated page here.
Final Words
This expansion isn’t just about more routes — it’s about smarter travel. Business travellers can benefit from time-efficient itineraries with simplified bookings. Avios collectors gain more flexibility to redeem points across an expanded network. Iberia’s inclusion strengthens an already powerful alliance, creating a better experience for flyers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia.
As integration deepens, expect better-aligned services, clearer loyalty perks, and more ways to turn points into meaningful travel rewards. With streamlined journeys and upgraded connectivity, this partnership marks a step forward in global travel — and we’ll be here to help you navigate it every step of the way.
