Avianca suspends Bogotá-Havana flights as of this date

The Colombian airline Avianca announced the suspension of its direct flights between Bogotá and Havana starting August 31, as confirmed by the specialized portal Reportur, a leader in the tourism sector in the South American country.

The last flight between both capitals will depart from El Dorado International Airport on Saturday, August 30, at 12:35 p.m., marking the end of a brief operation period for this route, which had been resumed in December 2024 after more than four years of interruption.

Since December 16, Avianca has been operating this connection with a daily frequency, using Airbus A320 aircraft with a capacity for 180 passengers, which represented an offer of more than 2,500 weekly seats between Colombia and Cuba.

Low occupancy and decline of the destination, among the reasons

According to sources cited by Reportur and Aviación al Día, the decision to suspend the route is attributed to the low occupancy recorded even during the peak season, when the percentage of passengers on board barely reached 70 percent, a figure considered insufficient to maintain the economic viability of the service.

"Occupancy should be at 90% during high season. That 70 percent is acceptable in low season, but it is clearly not sustainable for a daily flight on this route," noted an industry expert quoted by Reportur.

Additionally, it is noted that the destination Havana has lost appeal among Colombian and international travelers due to factors such as shortages in hotels and the decline in the tourism offerings, including "all-inclusive" packages that do not meet the expectations of visitors.

Only one airline will operate the route starting in September

With Avianca's exit from the market, Wingo, a subsidiary airline of Copa Airlines, will be the only airline operating direct flights between Colombia and the island. This change will significantly reduce connectivity between the two countries, especially at a time when tourism from South America represents one of the few active sources of visitors to the island.

At the time, David Alemán, sales director of Avianca for Colombia and South America, expressed with enthusiasm that the resumption of flights to Havana would allow passengers from around the world to connect with Cuban history, culture, and cuisine through Bogotá.

However, less than a year later, the economic and tourism reality has forced the airline to reverse its decision.

The tourism crisis and flight cancellations dominate the scene

The suspension of this route by Avianca falls within a broader context of tourism crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by shortages in hotels, instability of the electrical system, uncontrolled inflation, and the general perception of a decline in the visitor experience.

The country, once one of the most coveted Caribbean destinations, has seen its international arrival figures decline compared to previous years, according to various reports.

Several international airlines have chosen to cancel or reduce flight frequencies to Havana and other Cuban cities in recent months, reflecting the low demand and logistical complications within the island. Connections with countries such as Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, and some European cities have also been cut or restructured.

In summary, Avianca's departure is a new symptom of the structural deterioration of the Cuban tourism sector, which is experiencing one of its most critical phases in decades. The island continues to lose air connectivity and regional appeal, a warning sign for a government that bets on tourism as one of its economic pillars, yet still fails to provide the minimum quality conditions necessary to sustain it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avianca's Suspension of Flights to Havana