What to expect on Iberia’s A350 NEXT to Lima’s new Jorge Chávez Airport
This Iberia Business Class review covers the Airbus A350 NEXT from Madrid (MAD) to Lima (LIM), focusing on the new suite-style seat (privacy, bed comfort, storage), dining and drinks, amenities, Wi-Fi and entertainment, and the overall onboard service on the long-haul daytime flight. I’ll also share first impressions of arriving at Lima’s new Jorge Chávez airport terminal—transfers, access and what to expect on arrival + some drama!
What was supposed to be a routine flight quickly turned into one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever filmed: a last-minute aircraft swap, an unexpected fumigation delay due to cockroaches, and later, a spectacular thunderstorm over Venezuela that lit up the cabin in flashes of silver and red.
Yet beyond the surprises, this flight was the perfect opportunity to explore Iberia’s all-new Business Class suite — a product that finally brings the airline on par with the world’s best. The new cabin features private sliding doors, sleek modern finishes, and a distinctly Spanish sense of design that feels both elegant and understated.
The journey ended at Lima’s brand-new international airport, which officially opened in 2025 — a modern gateway to Peru designed to handle millions more passengers and elevate the travel experience across South America.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly Iberia’s flagship A350-900 on a long-haul route to South America, this review will take you seat-by-seat through the entire experience — from Madrid’s Terminal 4S to the new Lima International Airport on the Pacific coast.
Flight Details
- Airline: Iberia
- Flight Number: IB125
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Route: Madrid (MAD) → Lima (LIM)
- Scheduled Departure: 13:00
- Actual Departure: 17:00
- Arrival: 21:10 (≈ 4-hour delay)
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 (New Business Class configuration)
- Seat: 6A
- Ticket: 50,000 Avios + taxes
- Flight time: 12h
Madrid Airport Terminal 4
I’ve always loved the design of Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4 — one of the most distinctive and architecturally impressive terminals in Europe. With its sweeping bamboo ceiling, bright skylights, and vibrant color-coded columns, it perfectly captures the blend of Spanish warmth and modern efficiency that Iberia is known for.
After check-in, I headed toward Terminal 4S, from where Iberia operates all its non-Schengen long-haul flights. Getting there involves a short automated train ride under the runways, followed by immigration and security control, so it’s important to allow enough time — the full transfer from check-in to gate can easily take up to one hour.
Flying in Business Class, however, makes the process far smoother. Iberia provides dedicated check-in counters, priority security, and Fast Track access through passport control, meaning you can glide through the formalities while most passengers are still queuing.
The whole experience sets the tone for what Iberia aims to deliver on its flagship routes: comfort, calm, and understated Spanish style before you even board.
Iberia Velázquez Premium Lounge
Once past immigration, I made my way to the Iberia Velázquez Lounge, located in the non-Schengen area of Terminal 4S. Every time I visit, I’m reminded why this remains one of my favorite lounges in Europe — it perfectly balances space, design, and comfort with unmistakable Spanish character.
The lounge is vast and beautifully lit, stretching along the glass façade with panoramic views over the runways. From here, you can watch Iberia’s A350s and A330s preparing for long-haul departures to Latin America — a true paradise for aviation enthusiasts.
Before settling in, I stopped by one of the private shower suites — modern, spotless, and ideal for freshening up before a long flight. There are also quiet resting rooms tucked away from the main hall, perfect for a quick nap or to recharge in peace.
Breakfast was pure Spanish comfort. I started with a tosta con tomate y aceite de oliva, a fresh croissant, and a strong café solo — the kind of simple yet authentic meal that instantly reminds you you’re in Spain. The buffet offers everything from cold cuts and pastries to fresh fruit and cava, and there’s no shortage of space to sit back and enjoy the view.
It’s hard to imagine a better place to spend a delay. Even with the four-hour wait, time passed easily thanks to the relaxed atmosphere, excellent food, and runway views that never get old.
Boarding Drama at Madrid – A Delay Like No Other
Back in the lounge, the departure screen suddenly flickered with an update: “New Estimated Departure – 14:50.” Not ideal, but manageable. At 13:40, I left the Velázquez Lounge for the short walk to Gate S29, where our A350 to Lima was already parked, gleaming under the Madrid sun.
As a Business Class passenger, I boarded with Group 1. Boarding started right on time, and the excitement was high — this was supposed to be one of Iberia’s brand-new A350s. But once inside the jet bridge, things took an unexpected turn.
The line came to a sudden stop. A red ribbon barrier appeared at the aircraft door, and after several minutes of silence, the crew asked everyone to wait. Forty minutes later, the announcement came:
“Ladies and gentlemen, due to a sanitary issue onboard, all passengers must disembark.”
Back at the gate, the explanation followed — a cockroach infestation had been detected onboard, and the aircraft had to be completely fumigated before departure. The process, we were told, would take two hours.
While frustrating, the handling was calm and professional. Iberia staff kept passengers informed, and drinks were distributed at the gate as we waited. Finally, at 16:45, boarding began again — this time for real.
Stepping inside, any lingering frustration quickly faded. The aircraft was spotless, and the cabin immediately impressed: 31 suites, each enclosed with sliding doors, arranged in a smart, spacious 1-2-1 layout. The new Iberia A350 Business Class looked and felt every bit as modern and elegant as promised.
The New Iberia A350 Business Class Suite
Welcome to Iberia’s new Business Plus cabin, a major leap forward in both design and functionality. The aircraft features 31 Recaro CL6720 suites, each equipped with sliding privacy doors — a first for Iberia and a clear statement of how far the airline has evolved.
Each suite offers a thoughtful balance of comfort and practicality. The seat converts into a fully flat 76-inch bed, with excellent legroom and a clever mid-level storage compartment beside the seat that doubles as an armrest. The bi-fold wooden tray table and side table give the space a warm, home-like touch — stylish yet understated.
At the front of each suite sits a static 18-inch 4K ultra-HD touchscreen display, crisp and responsive, perfectly positioned for both dining and lounging. Connectivity is excellent, with USB-A, USB-C, and a universal AC power outlet, plus a small mirror discreetly built into the side panel — a surprisingly practical detail.
Storage is generous for a Business Class seat: room for small bags, shoes, and personal items, all within easy reach. The entire setup feels carefully thought out, sleek, and very much in line with Iberia’s renewed focus on modern premium travel.
It’s a major step up from Iberia’s older A350 seats, which already offered excellent comfort but lacked the sense of privacy and refinement found here. The addition of doors and improved materials makes the new cabin feel more exclusive — while still preserving the airline’s clean, minimalist Spanish identity.
Entertainment & Amenities
Iberia has done a great job modernizing its onboard entertainment with this new generation of A350s. The 18-inch 4K ultra-HD touchscreen is not only large but also incredibly responsive and intuitive — a noticeable improvement over the older system.
The interface is clean and easy to navigate, offering a solid range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. What really stands out is the strong focus on Spanish and Latin American content, with plenty of regional films, series, and music that give the experience a uniquely Iberian touch. For a flight to Lima, that cultural continuity felt perfectly fitting.
Waiting at my seat was a comfortable pillow and soft bedding, ideal for the overnight portion of the flight. Iberia’s new bedware feels plush and well-sized — not too heavy, but warm enough for a long-haul journey.
Also provided was a small amenity kit, neatly presented and containing the essentials: eye mask, earplugs, socks, lip balm, and dental kit. It’s not overly luxurious, but functional and in line with Iberia’s clean, understated style.
Overall, a solid setup — great screen, thoughtful details, and all the comfort you need to settle in for a long flight to South America.
Dining Experience – A Taste of Spain at 35,000 Feet
Service began right after boarding with a warm welcome from the crew and a choice of Cava, orange juice, or water. I opted for the juice — refreshing and just right before takeoff.
Menus were distributed before taxi, setting the tone for what would turn out to be one of the best parts of flying Iberia. Soon after takeoff, the crew offered hot towels, followed by a first round of drinks accompanied by warm nuts, green olives, and slices of Manchego cheese — a simple but very Spanish start.
Dinner service began shortly after. For the starter, there were two choices: octopus or tomato carpaccio. I went for the latter — light, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
The main course featured three options: Iberian pork, pasta, or fish (merluza). I chose the fish, which was tender and perfectly cooked — easily one of the highlights of the meal.
For dessert, there were again three choices: cake, ice cream with chocolate-coated coffee beans, or a cheese plate. I picked the ice cream — a sweet, elegant way to end the meal.
The service concluded with dark chocolate, coffee, and a bottle of water placed at each seat for the rest of the flight. Throughout the cruise, the crew regularly passed by offering snacks and additional drinks, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and attentive.
Before landing, a light pre-arrival meal was served with two options: empanada or Spanish tortilla — I chose the tortilla, soft and flavorful, a fitting final touch from Iberia’s home kitchen.
The wine list deserves special mention: three reds and three whites, all Spanish, each carefully selected to complement the menu.
Overall, the food was outstanding — flavorful, authentic, and beautifully presented. Iberia continues to prove that its catering is one of the strongest aspects of its long-haul Business Class product.
Flying from Madrid to Lima’s New Airport
We finally pushed back just before 17:00, under a bright Madrid afternoon sky. The taxi to runway 36L was short, and within minutes we were airborne — a powerful takeoff followed by a graceful left turn over the Spanish capital, bathed in warm sunlight.
The early part of the flight offered spectacular views of Spain’s rugged, mountainous landscape, dotted with remote villages and winding roads that faded into the horizon. We continued westward toward Lisbon and the cliffy coastline of Portugal, before setting course across the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to bad weather along the usual northern route, today’s flight path took us further south — passing west of Madeira, then across the mid-Atlantic, eventually approaching the Caribbean near Barbados just as the sun began to set. The sight of the orange sky reflecting on the engine cowling and wingtip was simply unforgettable.
Not long after, the calm gave way to intensity as we flew over Venezuela — where I witnessed one of the most powerful thunderstorms I’ve ever seen. Lightning illuminated the clouds every few seconds, creating an incredible natural light show around the A350’s wing and engine. It was one of those moments where you just sit back and admire the beauty (and power) of nature from 35,000 feet.
The flight then continued smoothly across Colombia, the Amazon Basin, and Iquitos in eastern Peru. Unfortunately, the Andes Mountains were hidden under clouds during descent, but the arrival into Lima still carried a special sense of anticipation.
At 21:00 local time, we touched down on runway 16R — part of Lima’s brand-new airport complex, inaugurated in 2025. The taxi to the new terminal was long, giving time to take in the scale of the expansion.
While I personally find the exterior design of the new terminal a bit less charming than the old one, the interior is a major improvement — bright, spacious, and much better organized. Given how Lima has struggled with capacity for years, this new facility was absolutely necessary.
Immigration was fast and efficient, and bags appeared quickly. A quick reminder to anyone visiting Lima: for safety, it’s always best to use official airport taxis or trusted app services like Uber or Cabify.
After nearly 12 hours in the air, we had finally arrived — a long journey made memorable by Iberia’s new A350, unforgettable views, and the first glimpse of Peru’s brand-new international gateway.
Final Verdict – Is Iberia New A350 Business Class a Step Up?
This flight truly had it all — the excitement of Iberia’s newest A350 Business Class, an unexpected delay due to fumigation, and one of the most spectacular thunderstorms I’ve ever seen.
Despite the disruption, Iberia handled the situation professionally, and once onboard, the experience was outstanding. The new Business Plus suite is a huge leap forward: private, well-designed, and genuinely competitive with the best transatlantic products out there.
Service was polished, meals were full of Spanish flavor, and the atmosphere onboard was calm and refined. Add to that the thrill of landing at Lima’s brand-new international airport, opened in 2025, and you have a journey that perfectly captures the spirit of modern Iberia — efficient, elegant, and distinctly Spanish.
While the delay and initial chaos were less than ideal, the comfort, crew professionalism, and top-tier dining more than made up for it. A memorable flight in every sense — and a promising sign of where Iberia’s long-haul experience is heading.
