Iberia to Suspend Cuba Flights Amid Fuel Supply Crisis and Weak Demand
Spanish flag carrier Iberia has announced the suspension of its direct operations between Madrid and Cuba starting in June. This decision is driven by severe jet fuel supply shortages and a significant decline in passenger demand for travel to the island.
Phased Capacity Adjustment and Cessation of Operations
Iberia has designed a schedule for the gradual withdrawal of its services on the route to the Caribbean nation.
- Current Month: The airline will maintain three weekly frequencies between Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Havana’s José Martí International Airport.
- May: Capacity will be immediately reduced to just two flights per week.
- June: Direct operations will be completely suspended, a measure expected to remain in place until at least November.
Impact of Oil Sanctions and Operational Challenges
The technical decision is primarily a response to the complex energy crisis currently facing Cuba. Following sanctions imposed by the United States administration, the island is grappling with an oil embargo that has directly impacted the availability of aviation fuel.
This fuel scarcity has forced Iberia crews to modify their logistics since February. Currently, all aircraft departing from Cuba must perform a technical stop at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, specifically for refueling. This requirement significantly increases operating costs and undermines the overall efficiency of the route.
The airline will continue to monitor the evolution of fuel supply and market demand on the island to determine if conditions will permit the restoration of direct connectivity starting in the fourth quarter of the year.
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