Related videos:
Iberia suspended its direct route between Madrid and Havana this Monday, finalizing a decision that the airline of the IAG group announced on April 13 and attributed to the fuel shortage on the island and a decline in demand.
The company described the measure as a suspension that "affects Cuba exclusively, due to its exceptional situation," and left open the possibility of resuming the route in November if conditions allow.
The withdrawal was gradual: Iberia maintained three weekly flights during April, reduced it to two in May, and as of today, completely ceases direct operations.
Operational issues began on February 9th, when Cuba issued NOTAM A0356/26 confirming the unavailability of Jet A-1 fuel at nine international airports, including those in Havana, Varadero, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Camagüey.
Since that date, Iberia has been forced to make technical stopovers in Santo Domingo to refuel on return flights to Madrid, incurring additional operational costs.
The energy crisis originates from the interruption of Venezuelan oil supplies, which accounted for two-thirds of Cuba's imports, exacerbated by the cessation of shipments from Pemex under pressure from the Trump administration's sanctions.
Cuba produces about 40,000 of the 110,000 daily barrels it needs, lacking sufficient external supply to cover the difference.
Iberia is not the only Spanish airline that has stopped flights to Cuba
In total, at least 11 international airlines have suspended flights to Cuba so far in 2026, with over 1,700 flights canceled.
World2Fly, from the Iberostar hotel group, operated its last flight from Madrid to Havana on May 20, and Cubana de Aviación canceled its only connection to Spain on May 12.
The impact on Cuban tourism has been devastating. In January and February, the island received 112,000 fewer visitors than in the same period of 2025, with hotel occupancy dropping to 18.9%, and in the first quarter, tourism declined by 48%.
Iberia passengers can reach Cuba with a layover in Panama through a codeshare agreement with Copa Airlines, and the airline's offices in Havana remain open to assist customers.
After Iberia's departure, the only options left from Madrid are Air Europa, with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and Air China, which operates the Beijing–Madrid–Havana route on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Filed under: