World2Fly, the airline associated with the Iberostar hotel group, announced on Monday its decision to permanently cease operations on the Madrid–Havana–Madrid route. The final flight is set for May 20, 2026.
The announcement was made in a joint statement by World2Fly and Onlinetours, a travel agency with offices in both Havana and Madrid, which had been the main distributor for these flights.
Operating in Cuba since 1999, Onlinetours was responsible for informing affected customers.
"World2Fly announces that it will discontinue its operations on the Madrid – Havana – Madrid route, with the last flight scheduled for May 20," the statement read.
The airline urged affected passengers to reach out to Onlinetours through their usual communication channels.
"Our team is available to offer alternative travel options or to process the appropriate refund for reservations," the statement continued. Customers can request refunds or contact the offices in Cuba (phone 802 300 00, email cuba@onlinetours.es) and in Spain (602 255 455, onlinetours@onlinetours.es).
The Impact on Cuban Residents in Spain
World2Fly was a popular choice among Cuban residents in Spain, known for its competitive pricing and generous baggage policies. However, the airline had already been scaling back operations since February, cancelling one of its two weekly flights — on Sundays — between March 15 and June 28, maintaining only one weekly flight thereafter.
Fuel Crisis Wreaks Havoc on Cuban Aviation
The underlying issue is a fuel crisis that has gripped Cuba since February 9, when Cuban authorities issued NOTAM A0356/26, warning of Jet A-1 fuel shortages at nine international airports. This crisis stems from the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies, which accounted for two-thirds of Cuba's imports, exacerbated by Trump administration sanctions and the cessation of Pemex shipments.
The withdrawal of World2Fly adds to a series of cancellations that have severely impacted air connectivity between Spain and Cuba.
Other Airlines Follow Suit
Iberia suspended its direct Madrid–Havana flights starting in June, citing Cuba's "exceptional situation." Cubana de Aviación also canceled its only flight between Cuba and Spain on May 12 after Plus Ultra withdrew, citing risks from a U.S. executive order issued on May 1.
With World2Fly's exit, Air Europa remains the sole Spanish airline operating flights to Cuba. According to a statement from ECASA on April 30, they fly to the island with just one flight, three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday).
Air China also served the Madrid-Havana route until April, but canceled those flights in May.
In total, at least 11 airlines have suspended flights to the island so far in 2026, including Air Canada, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Rossiya, resulting in over 1,700 canceled flights.
Tourism Industry in Crisis
The impact on tourism has been catastrophic. In January and February 2026, Cuba welcomed 112,000 fewer visitors than in the same period in 2025. Hotel occupancy plummeted to 18.9%. These figures highlight the collapse of an industry that the regime had relied on as an economic lifeline.
FAQs About the Cuba-Spain Flight Disruptions
Why did World2Fly stop its flights to Havana?
World2Fly halted its flights to Havana due to a fuel crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies and sanctions from the Trump administration.
Which airlines are still flying to Cuba from Spain?
Currently, Air Europa is the only Spanish airline maintaining flights to Cuba, operating with one flight three days a week.
How has the flight suspension affected tourism in Cuba?
The suspension of flights has severely impacted tourism, with Cuba receiving 112,000 fewer visitors in early 2026 compared to the previous year, and hotel occupancy dropping to 18.9%.