Iberia Regional's New Challenge: A 4-Hour Flight on an ATR 72

Iberia Regional, operated by Air Nostrum and Malta's MelAir, is set to launch a unique route that might test the endurance of turboprop enthusiasts. Starting July 20, the airline will operate the longest non-stop ATR passenger flight in Europe, connecting Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands with Melilla on the northern coast of Morocco. This route covers 773 nautical miles (1,432 km) each way, making it one of the longest scheduled ATR 72 flights globally.

Flying on an ATR 72-600, passengers will experience a journey that, while not the longest in the world for this aircraft type, stands out in Europe for its duration and the challenges it presents. The flight will take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, though the scheduled block time extends to just over 4 hours, accounting for taxiing and potential delays.

The operation of such a long route with a turboprop like the ATR 72 is unusual, given its typical use on much shorter segments. The aircraft, renowned for its efficiency on short-haul flights, will need to balance payload restrictions and possibly higher fares due to the limited number of seats offered for sale to ensure operational viability.

This route's initiation highlights a strategic move to connect two points that, despite their distance, lack direct air service alternatives, potentially making this service valuable for passengers valuing direct routes over speed. The service, planned to run three times weekly, will provide a crucial link between these two distant but culturally connected locations.

As this new service begins, it will be intriguing to see how it is received by passengers accustomed to faster jet travel, and whether the unique appeal of a long-haul turboprop flight attracts a dedicated following.