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United Airlines will suspend its only regular commercial route to Cuba starting September 2, leaving Houston without a direct connection to Havana and marking another setback in air links between the United States and the Island.
The route, operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to José Martí International Airport, was the only direct connection between Cuba and a U.S. city outside of Florida.
Strong reasons to cancel the route between Houston and Havana
Aviación News reported that United Airlines notified the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that it will cease operations for two main reasons. Firstly, due to the low demand for flights to Cuba, making travel unprofitable.
Secondly, the airline asserts that there is a significant seasonality on the route. It expects to resume service for the summer of 2026 and has requested a waiver to maintain its operating rights during the inactive period.
In third place, it is important to remember that the cancellation occurs amid a towards Cuba and other countries in the region.
In June, the government of Donald Trump imposed new visa restrictions for Cuban citizens, and in August, it will tighten limits on tourist travel by requiring bonds from some travelers, creating an increasingly uncertain environment for airlines.
American Airlines currently dominates the market for flights to Cuba from the United States with 68.4% of the available seats, followed by Southwest (12.8%), Delta (11.8%), and United, which barely represented 7% of the traffic.
Despite this suspension, United will maintain a weekly charter flight between Jacksonville and the Guantanamo Bay military base, which is not available to the general public.
Reduction of operations towards Cuba
In June, American Airlines requested to temporarily suspend its flight between Miami and Santiago de Cuba. Additionally, in February, a flight between Cuba and the U.S. was reported to have only six passengers, although it was filled with luggage sent by agencies.
The continuation of these decisions creates an uncertain future for flights between the two countries, directly impacting mobility, informal trade, and the family reunification of thousands of Cubans.
In July, CiberCuba had already reported that United Airlines planned to suspend its Houston-Havana route due to the sustained decline in demand, the seasonality of passenger traffic, and the increasing tightening of the regulatory environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of the Houston-Havana Route by United Airlines
Why is United Airlines suspending the Houston-Havana route?
United Airlines has decided to suspend its route between Houston and Havana due to low demand for flights to Cuba and the seasonality of passenger traffic. This decision reflects a growing uncertainty for airlines operating to the island, exacerbated by the immigration restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.
When does United Airlines plan to resume the Houston-Havana route?
United Airlines expects to resume service to Havana by the summer of 2026. It has requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to maintain its operating rights during the inactive period.
How does U.S. immigration policy affect flights to Cuba?
The current immigration policy of the United States, under the administration of Donald Trump, has tightened visa restrictions for Cuban citizens, which has reduced the demand for flights to Cuba. This has forced airlines to reconsider their operations, as evidenced by the suspension of routes by United Airlines and other companies.
What other airlines dominate the market for flights between the United States and Cuba?
Currently, American Airlines leads the market for flights to Cuba from the United States, with 68.4% of available seats. It is followed by Southwest with 12.8%, Delta with 11.8%, and United, which accounted for only 7% of traffic before the suspension of its Houston-Havana route.
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