Cuban nail artist and digital content creator, MaryArt, endured a harrowing experience while attempting to fly from Havana to Madrid with a layover in Panama. Her journey coincided with a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the Central American nation on October 9, causing chaos at Tocumen International Airport.
In a detailed video shared on her Instagram account, Mary recounted the unexpected twists of her trip. "Everything started out perfectly, like any normal journey. We checked in on time, passed security, and handed over our luggage—all without a hitch," she described.
However, halfway through the flight and nearing Panama, the unexpected struck. "The pilot came over the intercom to inform us we needed to reroute, making an emergency diversion to Jamaica," Mary explained.
The earthquake had forced Tocumen to halt operations and evacuate, leaving numerous flights stranded. Some diverted to Colombia, while others, including Mary's, ended up in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations.
"We were stuck in Jamaica for five hours, waiting for Panama to grant us permission to enter. The uncertainty on the plane was palpable," she recounted. Upon eventually landing in Tocumen, the sense of relief was fleeting.
"Once we arrived at the airport, it was utter chaos. The ground started trembling again—a tremor hit just as we were there. Luggage was relocated, connections were delayed, and it was complete mayhem," Mary said, referencing one of the over 100 aftershocks recorded following the main quake, some reaching magnitudes of 6.6.
Tocumen Airport implemented a protocol to halt flights after each noticeable aftershock to inspect the facilities, resulting in more delays and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded with little information.
From Tocumen, Mary posted an Instagram story expressing her frustration with the airline: "We've been stranded for 16 hours, and Iberia isn't giving us any updates."
Mary's ordeal highlights the ongoing air connectivity crisis affecting Cubans traveling to Spain. Iberia suspended its direct Madrid–Havana route on June 1, 2026, citing fuel shortages at José Martí Airport and reduced demand, with the suspension extended until June 30, 2027.
As an alternative, Iberia offered connections through Panama City via Copa Airlines, a route that the October 9 earthquake turned into a complex puzzle for travelers relying on this transit to reach Europe.
This was not Mary's first experience of being stranded during a layover. "This is the second time it's happened to me," she admitted in her video. She announced plans to share another video to confirm whether she ultimately reaches Madrid, a conclusion still uncertain at the time of publication.
Challenges Faced by Travelers During the Panama Earthquake
What caused the disruption at Tocumen Airport?
The disruption at Tocumen Airport was caused by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on October 9, which led to operational suspensions and evacuations at the airport.
How did the earthquake affect flights?
Many flights were left without destinations due to the earthquake. Some were diverted to neighboring countries like Jamaica and Colombia, causing significant delays and confusion for passengers.
Why did Iberia suspend its direct route between Madrid and Havana?
Iberia suspended its direct Madrid–Havana route due to fuel shortages at José Martí Airport and decreased demand, with the suspension expected to last until June 30, 2027.