On Monday, Cubana Airlines announced the immediate suspension of its flights connecting Madrid and Cuba, effective Tuesday, May 12, as stated in an official communication to tour operators, sales agencies, and the general public.
The Cuban state airline revealed that the "contracted operator for executing its flights has announced the immediate cancellation of flights CU471/CU470 on the Madrid – Santiago de Cuba – Havana – Santiago de Cuba – Madrid route, starting May 12, 2026."
The operator involved is Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, a Spanish company managing this route under an aircraft and crew leasing agreement, utilizing Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Impact of U.S. Sanctions
According to Cubana's statement, the decision "responds to risks arising from the Executive Order dated May 1, 2026, issued by the U.S. Presidency, representing a force majeure event beyond the airline's control."
The order, signed by President Donald Trump, broadened sanctions against the Cuban regime with secondary measures imposing extraterritorial reach. These threaten to exclude banks and institutions facilitating transactions with sanctioned Cuban entities from the U.S. financial system.
The immediate trigger was the formal designation of GAESA—the military conglomerate controlling nearly 40% of Cuba's economy—on the Specially Designated Nationals list by the Treasury Department on May 7. Foreign businesses have until June 5 to cease operations with this group.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the sanctions against GAESA as a "direct blow" to the Cuban military conglomerate for "robbing the Cuban people."
Challenges for Plus Ultra
Plus Ultra also faces a history making it particularly vulnerable to this crackdown: the company is under judicial investigation in Spain for alleged money laundering. Its top executives were detained in December 2025, and its ties to the Venezuelan regime, the government of Equatorial Guinea, and the Cuban regime place it at significant risk under any U.S. sanctions.
This cancellation does not occur in isolation. In February 2026, Cubana already reduced its Madrid–Cuba frequencies due to the severe fuel crisis on the island, forcing return flights to make technical stops in Santo Domingo for refueling.
In April, Iberia announced it would suspend its direct Madrid–Havana flights starting in June, with a potential resumption in November, "provided conditions allow."
Ongoing Airline Interruptions
In total, eleven airlines have halted flights to Cuba throughout 2026, leading to the cancellation of over 1,700 flights, leaving only eight companies operating routes to the island.
Cubana stated that "ticket refunds will be provided in accordance with current regulations," and expressed gratitude for the "understanding in this exceptional situation."
During this suspension, affected passengers can travel to Cuba via Panama through Iberia's codeshare agreement with Copa Airlines, albeit with longer travel times and additional costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flight Cancellations to Cuba
Why did Cubana Airlines cancel its flights to Spain?
Cubana Airlines canceled its flights to Spain due to risks associated with a U.S. Executive Order that expanded sanctions against the Cuban regime, creating a force majeure situation beyond the airline's control.
What impact have U.S. sanctions had on Cuban flights?
The U.S. sanctions have led to the suspension of flights by several airlines to Cuba, causing over 1,700 flight cancellations and reducing the number of airlines operating routes to the island to just eight.
What alternatives do affected passengers have?
Affected passengers can travel to Cuba via Panama using the codeshare agreement between Iberia and Copa Airlines, though this option involves longer travel times and additional costs.