The state-run airline, Cubana de Aviación, has announced the cancellation of its only flight route between Cuba and Spain, effective from Tuesday, May 12. This decision was revealed by Diario de Cuba (DDC) following access to a communiqué sent to travel operators, sales agencies, and customers.
The notification states that "the operator contracted for these flights has informed of the immediate cancellation of flights CU471/CU470 on the Madrid-Santiago de Cuba-Havana-Santiago de Cuba-Madrid route."
Impact of U.S. Sanctions
The unnamed operator in the communiqué refers to the Spanish company, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which leases Airbus A330-200 aircraft and crews for this route under an ACMI contract. The communiqué explains that the decision is a response to risks associated with the Executive Order from May 1, 2026, issued by the U.S. Presidency, which is described as a force majeure event beyond the company's control.
This executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, extends sanctions against Cuba's security apparatus and includes secondary measures threatening to exclude foreign banks and companies operating with sanctioned Cuban entities from U.S. markets.
Plus Ultra's Immediate Response
The direct financial threat, similar to that faced by Spanish hotel groups on the island, prompted Plus Ultra to terminate its operation under Cubana's code, leaving the state airline without any transatlantic flights to Spain. Plus Ultra, which has received public bailout funds and is currently under investigation for money laundering, has been supported by capital linked to the Venezuelan government, Equatorial Guinea, and contracts with the Cuban regime.
Refunds and Previous Reductions
Cubana de Aviación has stated that refunds for tickets will be processed according to current regulations. This cancellation follows earlier signs of decline on the route. In February, Cubana had already cut back on its frequencies due to the severe fuel crisis plaguing the island, temporarily suspending one of its two weekly flights.
This service, also operated with a Plus Ultra-leased Airbus A330-200, particularly affected travelers from eastern Cuba, who constituted about 70% of the route’s passengers. Since then, return flights to Madrid required a technical stop in Santo Domingo to refuel, further highlighting the operational collapse of Cuban aviation.
Broader Airline Withdrawal
In a related development, Iberia announced in April the cancellation of its direct Madrid-Havana flights starting in June, with a possible resumption in November "if conditions permit." During May, the Spanish airline will only operate two weekly flights before ceasing direct operations.
The overall situation is dire: eleven airlines have suspended flights to Cuba in 2026, resulting in over 1,700 canceled flights, leaving only eight airlines still serving routes to the island.
During Cubana's interruption, passengers can travel to Cuba via Panama through Iberia's code-sharing agreement with Copa Airlines, though this involves longer travel times and additional costs for the Cuban community in Spain, which already faces very limited options.
Questions About Airline Cancellations in Cuba
Why did Cubana de Aviación cancel its flight to Spain?
Cubana de Aviación canceled its flight due to risks associated with a U.S. Executive Order that extends sanctions against Cuba, affecting financial transactions and operations with foreign companies.
Who operates the flights for Cubana on this route?
The flights were operated by Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, a Spanish company leasing Airbus A330-200 aircraft and crews under an ACMI contract.
What alternatives do passengers have during the suspension?
Passengers can opt to travel to Cuba via Panama through Iberia's code-sharing agreement with Copa Airlines, despite longer travel times and additional costs.