The Spanish airline Iberia has suspended its direct operations between Madrid and Havana since this Monday due to the fall in tourism, logistical difficulties, and the crisis that Cuba is going through, marked by the impact of international sanctions and supply problems.
The decision, confirmed by company sources, comes after several months of progressive adjustments and adds to the previous withdrawal of other airlines such as World2Fly, which had already abandoned this route.
Progressive reduction before the route closure
Iberia had already announced in April the cancellation of the connection, which in recent weeks had been progressively reducing its operations: from three weekly frequencies in spring to two flights in May, before its definitive suspension.
The company, belonging to the International Airlines Group, however, maintains ticket sales from mid-October, which opens up the possibility of an eventual reactivation depending on the evolution of the context.
Cuba, hit by the fall in tourism and energy problems
The closure of the route is part of a context of sharp deterioration of international tourism to Cuba, affected by the economic crisis, fuel shortages, and the country's operational limitations.
In recent months, even active flights have had to make technical stops in Santo Domingo due to the lack of fuel on the island, a situation that has also conditioned the operations of other airlines such as Air Europa.
Alternatives for passengers
Following the suspension, Iberia has indicated that passengers will be able to continue traveling to Cuba through alternative routes, such as the connection via Panama in collaboration with Copa Airlines, under code-sharing agreements.
This system allows connectivity to be maintained, although with longer travel times and dependence on other airlines.