Las Américas Confirms Fuel Capacity for Iberia, Air Europa for Havana-Madrid Stopovers

Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo confirmed that it has the operational capacity and the fuel supply to support temporary technical stopovers by Iberia and Air Europa as those carriers adjust routes amid a Cuban aviation fuel shortage. Aeropuertos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) spokesperson Luis López told Dominican Today, “There is no fuel limit, and the airport has the capacity to supply the demand required by the airlines,” and added that refueling operations “will be carried out normally and without restrictions.”

Dominican Today reported that refueling operations at Las Américas were set to begin on Wednesday, February 11, and that “all technical stopovers will be concentrated at Las Américas International Airport,” with authorities in constant coordination with the airlines to ensure efficient operations and uninterrupted fuel supply. The confirmation positions Santo Domingo as a regional refueling hub for flights routed between Havana and Madrid while the Cuban situation persists.

The move follows an aviation notice that En Cibercuba reported over the weekend, which states that nine international airports in Cuba will be without Jet A-1 fuel from February 10 to March 11, 2026. En Cibercuba named affected terminals including Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, and noted that the shortage has forced foreign airlines to carry extra fuel from origin, make technical stops in third countries, or risk cancelling operations.

Airline operating notices have already reflected those choices. MexicoBusiness quoted Air Europa advising passengers that, “Due to the lack of fuel at José Martí International Airport (HAV), if you are traveling from Havana to Madrid on Feb. 10, 11, and 12, although our operation is confirmed, flights will be adjusted and a technical refueling stop in Santo Domingo will be required.” En Cibercuba also reported that Iberia flights headed to Havana are making technical stops at Las Américas, while other carriers such as Air France have chosen Nassau in the Bahamas for refueling. Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobus, according to MexicoBusiness, announced they will maintain service while monitoring developments.

Infrastructure and capacity at Las Américas have been strengthened in recent years. VINCI Airports materials note a solar plant at Las Américas was commissioned in 2024 and preliminary works for a new terminal began to raise capacity to over 4 million passengers per year under a renewed 30-year concession. Those upgrades help explain how AILA is absorbing extra refueling activity during the Cuban shortage.

Timing across sources contains a discrepancy: Dominican Today states refueling at Las Américas would begin February 11, while Air Europa’s notice covers flights on February 10 through 12 and En Cibercuba’s NOTAM is effective from February 10. The available public notices do not explicitly reconcile whether flights on February 10 used Las Américas or alternative refueling points.

For travelers and families planning Havana-Madrid itineraries, expect adjusted schedules and a technical stop in Santo Domingo for certain flights between February 10 and 12, with further operational updates possible through March 11. Airport workers, suppliers, and local service providers at Las Américas may see increased activity while the Cuban fuel shortage continues, and airlines will likely publish passenger guidance on connections, baggage handling, and delay times as operations unfold.