Originally Posted by
malcolmkettering
Might be of interest to you: there is now hourly high-speed AVE train service between Madrid-Atocha and Málaga. The trip is just under 3 hours. If you could find better routing MNL-MAD then switch to the train, it might be less painful than the LHR-LGW transfer or the 8-hour LHR layover. Depending on the amt. of luggage you have, the transfer from Barajas to Atocha can be easily and cheaply made on Madrid's Metro.
Unfortunately this will likely point out the complete void in service between Asia and Spain so you will still be connecting again after HKG but at least you will have many more choices (FCO/FRA/CDG/AMS/HEL, etc.).
General question: Any guesses if/when JL/CX/IB will finally connect Spain to Asia??
Funny thing. Up until this month IB had an afternoon flight AGP LHR which connect to CX(2) and BA(3) for HKG. As per the train, excellent idea if I had the time and only one bag, but I still need to get to Marbella. We have an inhouse TA and she works harder then most of our staff. This trip I am flying back AGP FRA on LH, and then SQ via SIN.