American Airlines Reduces Flights to Cuba; Others May Follow Suit
American Airlines has filed a request with U.S. federal authorities to significantly reduce its operations to several destinations in Cuba, a move that could eventually lead to a complete withdrawal from one of the island’s airports.
According to documents submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the airline plans to cut back on flight frequencies between Miami and the Cuban cities of Havana, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and Varadero. The proposal includes eliminating three of the eight daily flights between Miami and Havana from Friday to Sunday, as well as four more between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Additionally, American seeks to cancel all flights between Miami and Holguín on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as one of the two daily flights between Miami and Santa Clara. The airline attributes these changes to the “current market conditions” in the U.S.–Cuba travel corridor.
In parallel, United Airlines has confirmed it will suspend its Houston–Havana route starting September 2, marking another significant reduction in air connectivity between the United States and Cuba. Other carriers, such as Delta and Southwest, continue to operate regular flights to the island.
Despite the proposed cutbacks, American Airlines clarified that the routes may not be permanently eliminated and will depend on the evolution of demand and the DOT’s final decision.
U.S. travel restrictions continue to heavily impact tourism to Cuba. While travel is allowed under specific categories—such as family visits and humanitarian activities—leisure tourism remains prohibited for American citizens. Furthermore, Cuba’s ongoing designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism further complicates diplomatic and commercial relations, including commercial aviation.
This mix of political, economic, and operational challenges has led several carriers to reassess their business with Cuba. For example, Frontier Airlines dropped its Miami–Havana route back in 2017, citing shifts in market behavior.
The current uncertainty also affects families relying on these air links to reunite. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department is expected to enhance its consular services in Cuba in an effort to streamline visa processing and family reunification.
