Air Europa adjusts Havana flights, relocates fuel stop to Punta Cana

Spanish carrier Air Europa will relocate the technical refueling stop on its Madrid–Havana route from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana beginning June 13, as it continues to adapt operations to ongoing fuel supply challenges in Cuba.

The airline had been making refueling stops in Santo Domingo since February due to fuel shortages at José Martí International Airport. The stop is required on return flights from Havana to Madrid to ensure sufficient fuel for the transatlantic journey. According to Air Europa’s current schedule, the change to Punta Cana is expected to remain in place through at least June 30.

Air Europa continues to operate three weekly flights between Madrid and Havana despite Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis, which has affected aviation operations across the island. Several other carriers, including Iberia, Cubana de Aviación, and World2Fly, have suspended flights to Cuba amid fuel and power supply difficulties.

The move reinforces Punta Cana’s growing role as a strategic aviation hub in the Caribbean, while highlighting the operational challenges airlines face in maintaining international air connectivity with Cuba during the country’s prolonged energy and fuel shortages.