Cubana de Aviación has announced a reduction to just one weekly flight between Madrid, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana for the summer season of 2026, as reported by the agency Cuba Tulike on Facebook.
The announcement outlines "specific changes to the return flight" and provides details of the new schedules in local times for each country.
The outbound flight CU471 will operate on Tuesdays, following the route Madrid – Santiago de Cuba – Havana.
According to the statement, 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.
For the return journey, flight CU470 is scheduled for Thursdays, traveling from Havana to Santiago de Cuba and then on to Madrid, with departure times from Havana at 8:20 AM and from Santiago at 11:35 AM.
The publication emphasizes that "adjustments have been made to the return flight."
The agency advises passengers with existing tickets or those considering travel to review their situation and understand the operational changes, offering a contact number for personalized assistance.
The ongoing fuel crisis in Cuba has significantly impacted international air connectivity.
Since early February 2026, European airlines such as Air Europa, Iberia, and Air France have been forced to alter their operations to the island due to the inability to refuel at Cuban airports.
The shortage of Jet A-1 aviation fuel has been confirmed by international NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), which alert of a total lack of supply at key terminals like Havana, Varadero, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.
This situation has compelled European carriers to make technical stops in Caribbean airports, notably in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, to continue their routes to Cuba.
Air France continues its flights to Havana, but now includes a stopover in Nassau for refueling, while Air Europa has had to adjust its schedules to incorporate a layover in Santo Domingo.
These measures aim to prevent a complete cessation of operations, although they result in increased logistical costs and delays, adversely affecting passengers and international tourism.
Impact of Fuel Shortage on Cuba's Air Travel
Why is Cubana de Aviación reducing its flights between Madrid and Cuba?
Cubana de Aviación is cutting its flights due to a severe fuel shortage affecting Cuba, which has disrupted international air connectivity.
How are European airlines adapting to the fuel crisis in Cuba?
European airlines like Air France and Air Europa are making technical stops in Caribbean countries such as the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic to refuel and continue their routes to Cuba.
What are the new flight schedules for Cubana de Aviación from Madrid to Cuba?
The outbound flight CU471 from Madrid to Cuba is scheduled for Tuesdays, while the return flight CU470 is planned for Thursdays, with specific times provided for each segment of the journey.