More than 70 charter flight routes, including Cuba-Nicaragua, have been shut down due to U.S. sanctions.

The State Department announced new visa restrictions on high-ranking executives of travel agencies accused of facilitating irregular migration to the United States.

These measures have resulted in the closure of more than 70 charter flight routes, including key connections such as the routes between Cuba and Nicaragua.

The statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua on January 16 indicates that the restrictions are aimed at owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies in Europe, Asia, and other regions that assist in the irregular trafficking of people.

The policy aims to combat exploitative practices and hold accountable those who profit from the vulnerability of migrants.

The spokesperson for the State Department, Matthew Miller, emphasized that these measures have a global reach and also apply to individuals who may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

The sanctions are framed within section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and are part of a broader campaign in collaboration with governments and private sector stakeholders.

Since the onset of this initiative, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on individuals from 16 countries in Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and West Africa.

Moreover, strategic routes connecting Nicaragua with Cuba and Libya have been successfully closed, key points in the transit of charter flights related to irregular migration.

The measure underscores the United States' commitment to border security and to orderly and legal migration. "No one should profit from vulnerable migrants: neither traffickers, private companies, nor public officials," Miller stated in the release.

These actions are part of a global effort to dismantle networks that facilitate irregular human trafficking. Furthermore, they reinforce the message that the U.S. government will not tolerate activities that endanger the lives of migrants or promote economic exploitation in the private sector.

With these sanctions, the United States sends a strong signal to the agencies and companies involved in facilitating irregular routes, reinforcing its position as a leader in the fight against human trafficking.

The United States had already imposed sanctions in 2024

In February 2024, the government of the United States tightened its sanctions against transportation companies involved in irregular migration from Cuba to Nicaragua.

The measures included visa restrictions for executives of airline and maritime companies, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In March, despite the sanctions, Cuban airlines such as Cubana de Aviación and AeroGaviota resumed flights between Havana and Managua. The operations were carried out with state-owned fleets, reflecting the Cuban government's persistence in maintaining those routes, despite international restrictions.

In June, the United States expanded its sanctions, pinpointing a charter flight executive who was facilitating irregular migration to the U.S. through Nicaragua.

Authorities highlighted that the Ortega-Murillo regime was financially benefiting from these activities, reinforcing their commitment to hold those responsible accountable.

In July, the U.S. government sanctioned executives from travel agencies linked to human trafficking operations. These actions were part of a broader strategy to deter the transportation of migrants under irregular conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Sanctions and the Closure of Charter Flight Routes