The severe energy crisis plaguing Cuba is now having a direct impact on international air travel routes.
From Tuesday, February 10, and at least until the 12th, Air Europa flights between Havana and Madrid are required to make a technical stop in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for refueling.
This measure, confirmed by the airline itself, is a response to the complete absence of aviation fuel at José Martí International Airport and other airports across the country.
"Due to the lack of fuel at José Martí International Airport, if you are traveling from Havana to Madrid on February 10, 11, and 12, please be aware that although our operation is confirmed, some adjustments will be necessary, including a technical refueling stop in Santo Domingo," Air Europa announced on Monday in a statement cited by EFE news agency.
The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by a situation "beyond the company's control," warning that scheduled departure and arrival times might be subject to change.
This emergency logistical maneuver allows the service to remain operational without cancellations, but it introduces complexity and potential delays to travelers' itineraries.
Temporary Solution: Technical Stop in the Dominican Republic
The operational changes by Air Europa follow a NOTAM ("Notice to Airmen") issued by Cuban authorities, alerting about the unavailability of JET A1 fuel, which is used by most commercial aircraft.
The official notice, confirmed by sources to EFE, stated "JET A1 FUEL NOT AVBL," indicating that none of Cuba's international airports can ensure the necessary supply for outbound flights.
The shortage of kerosene affects key terminals such as those in Havana, Varadero, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, and Santa Clara, severely compromising the operations of airlines connecting the island with destinations in Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
Iberia and Other Airlines Weigh Their Options
While Air Europa is the first Spanish airline to take concrete action, Iberia has also responded by offering flexible fare options to allow passengers with tickets to Cuba to voluntarily change their travel dates or routes.
The company stated that there have been no cancellations or official changes to its schedule so far, but it is "closely monitoring the situation's evolution."
Along with Air Europa and Iberia, other airlines with regular flights between Madrid and Havana, such as World2Fly, Cubana de Aviación, and Air China, have not yet publicly announced changes to their operations, although flights in the coming weeks may also face challenges.
Reviving Strategies from the 1990s
Faced with the inability to refuel in Cuban territory, the most viable solution for airlines is to introduce technical stops at nearby airports like those in the Dominican Republic or Mexico—a strategy previously employed during past energy shortages in Cuba, particularly in the 1990s.
However, these logistical measures increase costs and operational complexity for airlines, which must adjust their routes in real-time.
This aviation sector emergency is part of a broader energy crisis affecting Cuba since mid-2024, exacerbated by new U.S. sanctions.
According to diplomatic sources, the Trump Administration signed an executive order in January imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, essentially strangling the island’s energy imports, especially following the cessation of Venezuelan crude shipments.
Cuba produces only about one-third of the energy it consumes and relies on external supplies to keep key sectors such as transportation, tourism, and public services running.
In response, the Cuban government announced last week a package of emergency measures, including drastic fuel use cuts, hotel closures, reduced service hours, and the promotion of telework.
The aim is to stretch the limited national energy reserves as much as possible while negotiating new supply sources.
"The island barely produces a third of its energy needs," a Ministry of Energy and Mines official recently acknowledged, describing the situation as "unsustainable without immediate relief from the oil blockade."
Impact on Tourism and International Transport
The inability to guarantee regular non-stop flights to and from Cuba could severely affect international tourism, especially during peak season.
The tourism sector, one of the few revenue generators for the Cuban state, has already been hit hard by the pandemic, the decline in European and Canadian visitors, and the contraction of the U.S. market.
For travelers, the situation creates uncertainty: changes in schedules, increased travel times, and the potential for further cancellations if the kerosene supply is not restored in the coming days.
Meanwhile, international airlines are hoping that the Cuban government can negotiate a swift resolution to the shortage, or at least allow limited refueling for critical routes.
Key Questions About Cuba's Aviation Fuel Crisis
Why is Air Europa stopping in Santo Domingo?
Air Europa is making a technical stop in Santo Domingo due to the lack of aviation fuel in Cuba, which prevents direct flights from refueling in Havana.
How are other airlines responding to the fuel shortage in Cuba?
While Air Europa has implemented technical stops, Iberia is offering flexible fare changes, and other airlines are monitoring the situation closely. No major cancellations have been reported yet.
What impact could the fuel crisis have on tourism in Cuba?
The fuel crisis could disrupt regular flight schedules, leading to increased travel times and potential cancellations, which may negatively affect Cuba's tourism industry, especially during peak seasons.