Air Europa plans to add a fifth weekly Madrid-Havana rotation in mid-December, expanding its service operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft despite crew objections over assignments to Cuba. The increase from four weekly flights remains uncertain, as union representatives are seeking voluntary participation in the route amid security and operational concerns and difficult conditions in Cuba.
Air Europa has become the only Spanish carrier maintaining a regular Madrid-Havana service after other operators withdrew from the Cuban market. Air China’s Beijing-Madrid-Havana operation, normally scheduled at two weekly frequencies, has also faced repeated cancellations, including disruptions in October.
The airline’s return flights to Madrid have required a technical refuelling stop in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, because of fuel shortages at Havana’s José Martí International Airport. Air Europa’s published operational notice indicated that the arrangement would remain in place through 30 November.
Demand for the route remains strong, with round-trip fares for early December reportedly reaching about €1,500 or more. However, union sources have described uncertainty as acute and have linked their request for voluntary Cuba duties to the island’s situation and repeated threats from the United States. The available reporting does not specify whether the demand covers cockpit crews, cabin crews or both, and no public confirmation of the dispute or December increase has been identified.