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The German airline Cóndor has announced that it will cease all operations to Cuba starting in May 2025, resulting in the removal of the only direct air connection between Germany and the Caribbean island.
The decision, which will impact destinations such as Havana, Varadero, and Holguín—currently the only locations receiving regular flights from Cóndor—stems from the airline's strategic measures.
According to information published by Aviacionline, the decision is due to a decrease in passenger demand and increasing problems with local infrastructure in Cuba, including power outages and shortages.
These factors have negatively impacted the travelers' experience and the operations of Cóndor.
"We will transfer capacity to destinations that enjoy higher demand," stated a spokesperson for the airline to the German media outlet aeroTELEGRAPH.
Additionally, he added that "the planning of flights and the design of airline networks are primarily based on the principle of economic efficiency."
For its part, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised tourists to carefully consider their trips to Cuba since the end of October.
We should expect disruptions to internet and mobile phone services, and the supply of cash through ATMs will also be affected. With the few banks that are open, authorities warned to be prepared for long wait times.
The departure of Cóndor adds to a series of reductions in air connectivity between Cuba and other countries.
For example, in May 2024, Cubana de Aviación suspended its flights between Havana and Buenos Aires due to difficulties in securing fuel in Argentina, leaving the island with fewer options for direct flights to South America.
That same month, the airline TUI, a leader in holiday travel in Europe, announced the permanent suspension of its flights to the Cuban resort of Varadero from Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
The decision is driven by the alarming lack of demand and the resulting absence of passengers to fill the planes to the Caribbean island.
The independent Cuban media outlet Diario de Cuba (DDC) also confirmed that the Swiss airline Edelweiss, a subsidiary of Swiss Air, is scheduled to make its final flight to Havana on May 8, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about Condor Flights Suspension to Cuba and the Tourism Crisis on the Island
Why will Cóndor stop flying to Cuba in 2025?
Cóndor will cease flights to Cuba starting in May 2025 due to a decrease in passenger demand and increasing issues with local infrastructure in Cuba, such as power outages and shortages. These factors have negatively impacted travelers' experiences and the efficiency of the airline's operations.
How does the departure of Cóndor affect tourism in Cuba?
The departure of Cóndor has eliminated the only direct air connection between Germany and Cuba, which could further decrease the arrival of German tourists to the island. This adds to the already reduced air connectivity of Cuba with other countries, exacerbating the tourism crisis the country is facing.
What other factors are contributing to the tourism crisis in Cuba?
The tourism crisis in Cuba is due to infrastructural issues, such as power outages and fuel shortages, as well as competition from other Caribbean destinations that offer better services at similar prices. Furthermore, mismanagement and a lack of economic diversification have exacerbated the situation.
What other airlines have recently reduced or canceled their flights to Cuba?
In addition to Cóndor, airlines such as TUI, Edelweiss, and Avianca have suspended or reduced their flights to Cuba due to low demand and operational issues. These decisions reflect the decline in Cuba's air connectivity, which is adversely affecting its tourism sector.
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