What happened
One Mile at a Time reports that Iberia will add a Schengen lounge at Madrid-Barajas reserved for oneworld Emerald members, with full opening expected between 7 and 10 September 2026. A trial is already running for invited Iberia Club members who hold that status.
The new space will sit next to the Dali Lounge and is aimed mainly at regional flights. Iberia already runs two hub lounges at Madrid, one on each side of the Schengen boundary, and those remain open to business-class passengers and to Sapphire status and higher. The new lounge is for Emerald only. One Mile at a Time compares it to Finnair's Platinum Wing in Helsinki rather than a first-class cabin lounge.
Some Iberia Club Emerald members are being invited by email before travel or redirected after they arrive at the Dali Lounge. Emerald elites from other oneworld airlines do not appear to be included in the trial. Early photos show a new design with upgraded food and drink.
Use the new Schengen lounge at MAD after the early September 2026 opening if you hold oneworld Emerald; non-Iberia Emerald members should not count on access during the current soft opening.
- Where
- Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
- Who qualifies
- Once fully open, oneworld Emerald members; during the current soft opening, only select Iberia Club members who hold oneworld Emerald status
- Takeaway
- If you hold oneworld Emerald, plan to use the new Schengen lounge at MAD after the expected early-September 2026 opening; non-Iberia Emerald members should not count on access during the current soft opening.