Iberia suspends direct flights to Cuba due to declining demand

International

Spanish airline plans to pause Madrid–Havana route from June and review resumption later in the year

Spain’s largest airline, Iberia, will suspend its direct flights between Madrid and Havana from June until at least November 2026, according to reports in Spanish media. The decision follows a decline in travel demand linked to the ongoing economic and energy difficulties affecting Cuba.

“The situation that the country has been facing in recent months has greatly impacted demand,” an Iberia spokesperson told the Spanish daily El País.

Cuba has been dealing with widespread power outages and food shortages since the United States imposed an energy blockade on the island in January. The situation has also affected aviation operations, as international airports have experienced shortages of jet fuel.

Several North American and European airlines have already reduced or cancelled flights to Cuba in response to these challenges.

Gradual reduction of the Madrid–Havana schedule

Iberia will continue operating the route temporarily before suspending it for the summer months. The airline plans to run three weekly flights between Madrid and Havana in April, reducing the frequency to two weekly services in May. Flights will then be halted from June onward.

In recent months, Iberia had already been adjusting its operations by making technical refuelling stops in Santo Domingo on return flights to Madrid due to fuel supply constraints in Cuba.

Alternative travel options during the suspension

While the direct service is suspended, passengers will still be able to reach Cuba through connecting flights. Iberia customers can travel via Panama under a codeshare agreement with Copa Airlines, which continues to operate flights to Havana.

According to tourism statistics, Canada was the largest source of visitors to Cuba in 2024. Russia ranked second, followed by the United States, Germany, Spain and Mexico.