American Airlines Resumes Flights to Spain

American Airlines is resuming flights to continental Europe for the first time since the coronavirus shut down, by launching daily nonstop service from DFW Airport to Madrid, according to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The first flight out of DFW is scheduled to depart at 4:50 p.m. Thursday. Return trips from the Spanish capital to DFW will begin Saturday, and continue with daily arrivals and departures thereafter.

Fort Worth-based American Airlines has maintained a daily flight from DFW to London but has canceled most other international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Wednesday afternoon, a few seats on the DFW-Madrid route were available for $2,092 round trip. Travelers willing to wait until June to make the DFW-to-Madrid trip can find round trip fares as low as $899 on American Airlines’ website.

Despite the limitations on travel at the moment, American’s return of daily nonstop service to Madrid could signal a new opportunity for customers to venture further into Europe as restrictions are gradually eased in other countries during the coming weeks.

American has an arrangement with Spanish carrier Iberia to connect passengers from Madrid to many other destinations throughout Europe, as part of the Oneworld airline alliance.

Also, for those who want to book a ticket but are concerned that their plans might change, American is waiving change fees on tickets purchased through May 31, a spokeswoman said.

The resumption of flights to Europe isn’t just about moving passengers. American Airlines and other carriers have stepped up their shipments of air cargo as well, including medical supplies.