Air Europa's labor unions are calling for flights to Cuba to be optional for their crews, according to a report from the specialized outlet Preferente on Tuesday.
This request highlights the growing dissatisfaction among employees due to the ongoing crisis in Cuba and the pressure from Washington on companies with commercial ties to the Cuban regime.
"Uncertainty is at its peak," union sources told Preferente, noting that other Spanish airlines—such as Iberia, World2Fly, and Plus Ultra—suspended their routes before the summer and have yet to announce a return date.
Challenges of Maintaining Flights to Cuba
Currently, Air Europa is practically the only Spanish airline offering direct flights to Cuba, alongside Air China, which runs two weekly flights on the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route, though these are often canceled for "technical reasons" since the start of the month.
This situation is in stark contrast to the airline's management strategy. The owner, Juan José Hidalgo, has opted to increase services to the destination, expanding from three weekly flights at the start of summer to four in July.
Operating this route is not straightforward. Due to a shortage of Jet A-1 fuel in Cuba, Air Europa is compelled to make a technical refueling stop in the Dominican Republic on all return flights to Madrid. This practice, which started in February following the NOTAM A0356/26 announcement about fuel unavailability at nine international Cuban airports, is expected to continue at least until November 30.
Economic Gains Amid Operational Hurdles
Despite these additional operational costs, the strategy has proven profitable. With the withdrawal of its Spanish competitors, Air Europa has monopolized the route, operating fully booked flights at high fares: tickets from Madrid to Havana are approximately 1,000 euros in October, rising to about 1,400 euros during the holiday season. Reportur described the summer of 2026 as a "record-breaking" period for Air Europa in Cuba.
Hidalgo's decision has been criticized as "reckless" by competitors, but occupancy data and pricing suggest that the strategy has been economically successful.
Impact of U.S. Sanctions and Energy Crisis
In May, Washington issued an executive order imposing extraterritorial sanctions on companies linked to sanctioned Cuban entities, with a June deadline to sever ties. Iberia halted its route on June 1 and has extended the suspension until June 30, 2027. At least 11 international airlines have canceled operations with Cuba this year, with over 1,700 flights scrapped.
The energy crisis exacerbates the situation. Cuba's electricity generation shortfall hit a peak of 2,411 MW in August, causing power outages exceeding 20 hours a day in some areas. Ten Cuban airports are under an official fuel shortage notice until November 1, making each flight a complex logistical challenge.
Cuban tourism has suffered a decline of 55.8% in international visitors in the first four months of 2026. In this increasingly isolated environment, Air Europa remains the sole reliable air link between Spain and Cuba, albeit with growing internal tension among the crews required to operate these flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Europa's Cuba Flights
Why are Air Europa crews requesting voluntary flights to Cuba?
The crews are seeking voluntary flights due to the growing concerns over the crisis in Cuba and the pressures from U.S. sanctions on businesses with ties to the Cuban government.
What challenges does Air Europa face in operating flights to Cuba?
Air Europa faces challenges such as a shortage of jet fuel in Cuba, necessitating a refueling stop in the Dominican Republic, and logistical complexities due to fuel shortages at Cuban airports.
How has Air Europa benefited economically despite these challenges?
With other Spanish airlines withdrawing, Air Europa has monopolized the route, achieving full flights and high ticket prices, which has resulted in financial gains.