The airline also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by this situation.
The shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba has begun to have immediate effects on international air connectivity. The Spanish airline Air Europa announced that its flights from Havana to Madrid will have to make a technical refueling stop in the Dominican Republic from Tuesday through Friday, which will also cause adjustments to scheduled flight times.
The company explained in a statement released this Monday that the measure is a direct response to the fuel shortage at José Martí International Airport, the main air terminal in the Cuban capital. “Due to the fuel shortage at José Martí International Airport, if you are traveling from Havana to Madrid on February 10, 11, and 12, please be advised that, although our operations are confirmed, flights will have some adjustments and a refueling stop in Santo Domingo will be necessary,” the airline stated.
Air Europa also expressed regret for any inconvenience this situation, which it described as beyond the company's control, may cause passengers, while confirming that it maintains its confirmed operations while continuing to assess the energy situation on the island.
Operational adjustments and increased flexibility for passengers
Meanwhile, Iberia has implemented a flexible fare policy for passengers with tickets already issued to Cuba, allowing them to make voluntary changes to their itineraries. This measure aims to offer greater flexibility in the face of potential flight disruptions, although no cancellations have been confirmed so far for flights between Madrid and Cuban destinations.
Air Europa stated that it is constantly monitoring the evolving situation and that, so far, there is no confirmation that the fuel shortage will lead to further modifications or route cancellations. However, the need for technical stops demonstrates the impact the energy crisis is beginning to have on air transport.
Energy crisis and warning from the Cuban government
The situation arises after the Cuban government warned international airlines operating on the island that the country would run out of aviation fuel. The information was confirmed by the EFE, which cited two sources in the aviation sector detailing that the alert was officially communicated to the companies.
Cuba has been experiencing a deep energy crisis since mid-2024, a scenario that has intensified following the oil blockade imposed by the United States government since January, a measure that has affected the supply of fuels and generated additional pressures on the economy and the social climate.
Last week, the Cuban government announced a package of emergency measures to manage without foreign oil imports, in a context where domestic production barely covers about a third of the country's energy needs. The shortage of aviation kerosene thus adds to a broader range of restrictions that are beginning to affect international airline operations and route planning.
Recommended readings:
- Iberia returns to service with 14 weekly flights after contract suspension
- JetBlue celebrates 20 years in the Dominican Republic with an airplane designed by Dominican artists
- The Dominican Republic will handle 19.6 million passengers in 2025, according to figures from the IDAC (Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation)
