The Venezuelan state airline Conviasa has canceled its program of flights between Caracas, Moscow, and Havana, which had been operating since 2023. This decision directly affects the already deteriorated air connectivity of Cuba.
The Association of Tourist Operators of Russia (ATOR) informed through its Telegram channel that the last flight from Moscow to Caracas, with a stop in Havana, is scheduled for April 28.
Conviasa will maintain its direct flights between Moscow and Caracas, but operations to Havana will be suspended indefinitely, according to the Russian portal Fomag.
According to the airline's booking system, although cities like Porlamar appear as possible destinations, when attempting to purchase tickets, the system indicates that no flights are available.
The Russian tour operators Fun&Sun and Coral Travel, which offered packages with Conviasa flights, have started to manage alternatives for the affected travelers.
Fun&Sun offers refunds or relocations to other destinations, maintaining in some cases the hotel reservation in Cuba for those wishing to purchase additional flights. Coral Travel, for its part, indicated that it is addressing cases individually.
Currently, the only active air connections between Cuba and Russia are operated by the airlines Rossiya and Nordwind, as noted by ATOR.
Cuba claims it is modernizing airports, but is losing flights
The suspension of the Conviasa route adds to a series of cancellations that reflect the gradual air isolation of the island. While the Cuban regime is promoting ambitious plans to modernize José Martí International Airport, international airlines continue to withdraw their operations due to low demand and poor operational conditions.
At the beginning of April, CiberCuba reported that airlines such as Avianca, Copa, and Wingo were operating flights from Colombia to Havana with occupancy rates below 70%, levels deemed economically unviable for commercial airlines.
According to specialists, for a flight to be sustainable, it must achieve an occupancy rate of over 80% and reach an average fare of at least $300 per passenger.
In contrast to this reality, Cuban authorities presented plans at the International Transport and Logistics Fair to renovate runways, platforms, and terminals, and even inaugurated a new hall with a capacity for 300 passengers at Terminal 3. However, these announcements seem insufficient to halt the exodus of international airlines.
Europe is also distancing itself from the fate of Cuba
In March, the Swiss airline Edelweiss Air canceled its Zurich-Havana route, citing operational issues and low demand from travelers.
The German airline Cóndor also announced that it will cease all operations to Cuba in May 2025, thus eliminating the last direct connection between Germany and the island. It attributed its decision to the decline in passenger demand and the worsening local conditions, from blackouts and shortages to logistical issues that seriously affect the tourist experience.
The closure of the Conviasa route exacerbates a crisis that threatens to further isolate Cuba from the international tourist market, just as the government attempts to project an image of modernization that, in practice, does not translate into more visitors or flights.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Conviasa Flights and the Air Crisis in Cuba
Why did Conviasa suspend its flights to Havana?
Conviasa suspended its flights to Havana due to low demand and operational issues related to Cuba's air connectivity. This decision is part of a broader context of declining tourism on the island and significant challenges in its airport infrastructure.
What impact does the suspension of Conviasa flights have on Cuba's air connectivity?
The suspension of Conviasa flights worsens the air isolation of Cuba, further reducing options for travelers wishing to visit the island. This adds to other cancellations from international airlines that have withdrawn their routes due to low demand and unfavorable conditions in the country.
Which airlines operate flights between Russia and Cuba?
Currently, the airlines Rossiya and Nordwind are the only ones maintaining active air connections between Russia and Cuba. These airlines continue to operate despite the logistical challenges and low demand affecting the Cuban tourism sector.
How is the air crisis affecting tourism in Cuba?
The airline crisis is contributing to the decline of tourism in Cuba, as fewer flights mean fewer potential tourists. This is compounded by issues such as fuel shortages, blackouts, and deteriorated infrastructure, making the island less appealing to international travelers.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the crisis in the tourism sector?
The Cuban government has announced plans to modernize airports, such as José Martí International Airport, in an effort to improve operational conditions. However, these efforts have not succeeded in reversing the trend of flight cancellations and the decline in tourism on the island.
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