A few weeks back, I discussed how Iberia is set to unveil a new lounge at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), which will be the airline’s most upscale lounge thus far. It’s always exciting to see airlines roll out new premium amenities, so props to Iberia! There’s an exhilarating update, as the lounge is finally launching, and we have a wealth of additional information.
New Iberia Emerald Lounge Sorolla Madrid overview
Until now, Iberia has operated two main lounges at its Madrid base, divided by Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Iberia’s lounge selection is impressive, and both lounges are quite commendable in their respective categories, with many favoring the non-Schengen lounge.
Both lounges adhere to standard oneworld access rules, welcoming all oneworld business class passengers, as well as oneworld Sapphire members and higher.
This leads us to the thrilling update — on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the new Iberia Emerald Lounge Sorolla will celebrate its grand opening. The lounge has seen a soft launch in recent weeks, inviting select guests to experience it, but it’s now opening more broadly.
Exclusively for oneworld Emerald members, the lounge is the highest tier within the alliance. It’s situated in the Schengen area, adjacent to the existing Dali Lounge, primarily catering to regional flights for passengers departing from Terminal 4 boarding areas H, J, K, and M. Operating daily from 5:30AM to 11PM.
Below are a couple of videos showcasing the lounge. I must say, it appears stunning. The lounge offers properly crafted cocktails by bartenders, quality barista coffee, a menu from which you can order food (in addition to a buffet), and even private relaxation zones.
This is a valuable investment in passenger experience
The general premise of oneworld Emerald lounge access is that these elite members gain entry to lounges akin to first-class experiences.
However, some oneworld first class lounges, such as the British Airways Concorde Room and Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge, do not allow oneworld Emerald members. In such circumstances, alternative lounges are typically accessible, but they lack the same caliber.
What I particularly appreciate is when oneworld airlines without first class lounges take the initiative to provide a dedicated space for oneworld Emerald members. The Finnair Platinum Wing in Helsinki is perhaps the finest example of this, as it is a truly beautiful and high-quality lounge that I always look forward to visiting.
Therefore, it’s fantastic to see Iberia joining this “club” and providing a premium lounge that doesn’t align with any specific class of service.
One peculiarity here is that this lounge is designated for Schengen travelers, not non-Schengen ones. One might assume that if a single premium lounge were to be established, it would cater to long-haul passengers, where competition is often more intense. Nevertheless, airlines typically launch new facilities based on available space, so that may be the reasoning behind this choice.
In conclusion
Iberia is officially debuting its latest lounge at Madrid Airport, exclusively intended for oneworld Emerald members. The new Iberia Emerald Lounge Sorolla is located next to the existing Iberia Dali Lounge, boasting an appealing design, along with an à la carte menu, a bar serving quality cocktails and barista coffee, sleeping areas, and much more.
I have already arranged a trip to travel through Madrid in early October, so I eagerly anticipate experiencing this!
What are your thoughts on Iberia’s new lounge in Madrid?