American Airlines has requested a modification of its current inactivity exemption from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to temporarily suspend several flights to the island, including the direct route between Miami and Santiago de Cuba.
If the request is approved, the airline would cease operations for flights to that eastern city for the remainder of the summer of 2025, according to the specialized outlet Airline Geeks.
This would leave Santiago without direct connections to the United States through American Airlines, a blow that would directly impact dozens of Cuban families separated by the Florida Strait.
The daily flight from Miami to Santiago de Cuba started in May 2019, becoming the sixth Cuban destination for American Airlines. Its inauguration was celebrated as an important step in strengthening the air links between Cuba and the United States, especially for families in eastern Cuba who, until then, had to fly to Havana or Holguín to reunite with their loved ones.
During its inauguration, executives from American Airlines and representatives of Antonio Maceo International Airport in Santiago highlighted their mutual commitment to maintaining this connection as a symbol of understanding and bilateral growth.
Today, just six years later, that promise may be put on hold.
American argues that the decision responds to “persistent challenges in demand recovery” between both countries and stated that it needs to better redistribute its aircraft in light of the current market conditions.
The measure is part of a broader request to also partially suspend some of its daily flights between Miami and Havana.
Moreover, the airline reminded that it maintains an exemption already in effect for flights to other Cuban airports such as Camagüey, Holguín, Varadero, and Santa Clara, routes that for the time being will not undergo any changes.
The news arrives in a sensitive context: this week President Donald Trump imposed new travel restrictions between the United States and Cuba, which may be influencing the decisions of commercial airlines.
Although American Airlines described its request as "limited in scope" and temporary, the reality is that for many Cubans residing in the U.S., especially from the eastern part of the country, this route represents a vital connection to their loved ones.
The suspension, even if temporary, adds uncertainty to an already complex scenario for family reunification and humanitarian support travel.
For now, the DOT has not issued a final decision.
President Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, June 4, that restricts the entry into the U.S. of Cuban citizens holding B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, citing that Cuba is a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" and has a high rate of visa overstays.
Although the measure does not explicitly prohibit flights, it threatens their economic viability. If Cubans cannot legally enter the U.S., the demand for tickets will drop, and airlines may be forced to cancel routes, as was already the case in 2023 with JetBlue and Delta.
American Airlines, with over 9,000 flights scheduled to Cuba this year, is the most exposed airline. From Miami, it operates flights to six Cuban cities, including Havana, Holguín, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Varadero, and for the time being, Santiago de Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the potential suspension of American Airlines flights to Cuba
Why might American Airlines suspend flights to Santiago de Cuba?
American Airlines has requested a modification to its permit from the United States Department of Transportation to temporarily suspend the Miami-Santiago de Cuba route. The decision stems from ongoing challenges in demand recovery and the need to better allocate its aircraft in light of the current market conditions.
How will the suspension of flights affect Cuban families?
The temporary suspension of American Airlines flights to Santiago de Cuba directly impacts Cuban families separated by the Florida Strait, as the route represents a vital connection for family reunification and humanitarian support trips.
What impact do Trump's restrictions have on flights to Cuba?
The new restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump jeopardize the economic viability of flights between the United States and Cuba. Immigration restrictions could reduce ticket demand, forcing airlines to cut frequencies or suspend operations, as has already happened with other airlines in the past.
How are airlines adjusting to the air connectivity crisis in Cuba?
Due to low demand and operational challenges, several international airlines have reduced or canceled their flights to Cuba. The airlines are reviewing their operations and may adjust their services if demand continues to decline, further affecting the island's air connectivity.
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