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Cubana de Aviación will reduce its operation to a single weekly flight between Madrid, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana during the summer season of 2026, according to reported the agency Cuba Tulike in a Facebook post.
According to the notice, the modification includes "specific changes to the return flight" and outlines the new itineraries in the local hours of each country.
For the outbound leg, flight CU471 is scheduled on Tuesdays, with the route Madrid – Santiago de Cuba – Havana.
The statement specifies that the flight will depart from Madrid at 1:30 PM, arrive in Santiago at 5:00 PM, leave Santiago at 6:45 PM, and land in Havana at 8:20 PM.
On the return, the agency notes flight CU470 on Thursdays, with the route Havana – Santiago de Cuba – Madrid, and departure times from Havana at 8:20 and from Santiago at 11:35.
The publication emphasizes that "there are adjustments in the return flight."
The agency adds that those who already have a issued ticket or are considering traveling can check their case to understand how the operational change affects them, providing a phone contact for personalized assistance.
The fuel crisis that Cuba is experiencing has had an immediate impact on international air connectivity.
Since early February 2026, European airlines such as Air Europa, Iberia, and Air France have been forced to modify their operations to the island due to the inability to refuel at Cuban airports.
The shortage of aviation fuel Jet A-1 has been confirmed by international aeronautical notifications (NOTAM), which warn about the complete lack of supply at key terminals such as Havana, Varadero, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.
The situation has forced European companies to establish technical stops at airports in the Caribbean, mainly in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, in order to continue their routes to Cuba.
Air France continues its flights to Havana, but makes a stop in Nassau to refuel, while Air Europa had to modify its itineraries and add a stopover in Santo Domingo.
These measures aim to prevent the total cancellation of operations, although they increase logistical costs and delays, impacting passengers and international tourism.
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