Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (AILA) has emerged as a vital refueling station for European carriers Air Europa and Iberia, commencing technical stopover operations this Wednesday amid a severe fuel shortage crisis in Cuba.
Airport authorities confirmed unlimited fuel capacity and operational readiness to handle the increased demand. Luis López, spokesperson for airport management company Aeropuertos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), assured that AILA possesses both the infrastructure and fuel reserves to accommodate all technical stop requirements without restrictions.
“The airport maintains sufficient fuel availability and operational capabilities to fully meet airline demands,” López stated, emphasizing that refueling procedures would continue normally despite the regional supply challenges.
Air Europa has scheduled technical stops on February 11-13, with each aircraft requiring approximately 15,000 gallons of fuel before proceeding to final destinations. The current arrangement covers a four-day period through February 14, though officials noted flexibility for potential schedule extensions depending on Havana’s fuel situation.
Iberia similarly confirmed plans to utilize AILA’s facilities, citing the airport’s strategic location and reliable fuel supply chain as critical factors in maintaining flight operations during Cuba’s supply disruption.
All technical stopovers will be centralized at Las Américas International Airport, where authorities maintain continuous coordination with airlines to ensure operational efficiency and uninterrupted fuel provision while Cuba’s supply issues persist.