Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling is terminating its three-times-daily service between Madrid and Barcelona from 30 March, with rail travel*s rising market share on the route understood to have influenced its decision.
The airline has operated flights between Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat airports for more than 20 years but is said to now be focusing on routes with greater potential for growth.
The two cities are currently connected by four train operators 每 Renfe, Iryo and low-cost options Ouigo and Avlo 每 which between them provide more than 40 daily services. A high-speed train line between Madrid and Barcelona opened in 2008, cutting journey times from seven hours to as little as 2hrs 30m.
Vueling*s sister airline under the IAG group, Iberia, will continue to operate up to 14 flights per day between the cities, while Air Europa also connects the destinations.