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Cubana de Aviación has announced an update to its domestic flights amidst a context marked by the crisis in air transport and various other forms of transportation on the island, as well as ongoing complaints from users.
Through its official Facebook profile, the state airline announced the new operational schedule, although it did not specify the times or the exact dates when the adjustment will take effect.
Next, we review the announced changes, the official purchasing channels, and the widespread dissatisfaction expressed by passengers regarding a reorganization that, instead of alleviating, has deepened the connectivity issues within Cuba.
Departures from Havana
Havana – Holguín
Frequency: Monday
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Havana – Camagüey
Frequency: Wednesday and Sunday
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Havana – Gerona
Frequency: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Havana – Santiago de Cuba
Frequency: Tuesday
Time: 2:50 p.m.
Havana – Santiago de Cuba
Frequency: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Arrivals from the provinces to Havana
Holguín – Havana
Frequency: Monday
Time: 10:55 p.m.
Camagüey – Havana
Frequency: Wednesday and Sunday
Time: 11:35 p.m.
Gerona – Havana
Frequency: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Santiago de Cuba – Havana
Frequency: Tuesday
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Santiago de Cuba – Havana
Frequency: Friday
Time: 12:15 a.m.
Ticket purchase and official conditions
According to the communication from Cubana de Aviación:
Tickets for these flights are available on their official website: www.cubana.cu, or at the airline's commercial offices.
Payment can be made in cash or via bank transfer.
Prices remain in accordance with resolution 346/2020 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices.
Cubana is not responsible for tickets purchased through third parties, and therefore insists on using only its official channels.
The company apologized for any inconvenience the changes may cause.
Recurring criticisms: Nighttime schedules, lack of options, and absence of information
The update has sparked a wave of criticism in the comments on the airline's own post.
The main problem noted by users is the scheduling of flights at night, which seriously complicates transportation to and from airports, especially in provinces far from the terminals.
"The departure from Camagüey is incredibly late, and when you arrive in Havana, it's even later. Boyeros is quite far away." "My mom is 87 years old and cannot take early morning flights. There’s no money to pay for a ride to where she will be staying." "For those coming from outside Havana, how do they get home at that hour?" some internet users pointed out in this regard.
“In other times, it wouldn't have been a problem, but with the violence, scammers, and lack of values, the worst could happen to you," declared another.
Cancelled flights, neglected destinations, and limited frequencies
Some users complained that key routes have been eliminated or not reinstated, such as flights to Manzanillo, Bayamo, Moa, or Baracoa.
There were also complaints about insufficient flight frequencies in large provinces like Holguín, which only has one flight per week, according to users.
"Holguín has only one frequency. How is that possible with the number of people traveling from Las Tunas and Granma?" questioned an internet user.
Website failures and lack of attention
A considerable number of people reported the website's malfunctioning, which hinders the purchase of tickets.
"Why put up a site if it doesn't work?"; "It doesn't allow access to the page," commented two users.
Others lamented that the airline does not address the questions raised on social media or clarify fundamental aspects of the change.
"This new itinerary does not come with the precise date of when it will be implemented. You do not respond to comments. Many problems in a single post," stated an internet user.
Flight cancellations and no compensation
Another recurring criticism is that flights are frequently canceled without any solutions being offered.
“Every now and then they cancel services and refund the money. That’s not the solution. They should provide alternate transportation.”
"Cubana is obligated to have an option ready for when flights are canceled. The current response of 'we have no solution' is a violation of international regulations."
Air transport in crisis
Changes are occurring within the broader context of the deterioration of Cuba's transportation system. According to official figures:
In 2024, the use of public transportation in Cuba dropped by more than 12 percent.
In the first quarter of 2025, the decline was even more severe: 23 percent.
13.7 million fewer people were mobilized compared to the same period last year.
These data confirm that the transportation crisis also affects domestic air travel, with operational limitations, a lack of aircraft, and a low capacity to respond to growing demand.
A call to revisit the strategy
Although Cubana de Aviación justified the changes as part of a "reorganization based on the availability of its fleet," the lack of planning for schedules, the elimination of routes, and poor institutional communication have ignited outrage among users across the country.
"Those schedules are not for ordinary Cubans. Every day they impose more obstacles and fewer options."
Amid a backdrop where internal transportation is increasingly difficult and expensive, the decisions of the national airline seem to move further away from the actual needs of citizens, who are calling for more transparency, better schedules, and viable options for traveling within the country.
This is not the first change announced by the airline this year. In February, they reported that only one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 5 kg and one checked piece weighing up to 23 kg are allowed. Any additional luggage is considered excess and is subject to aircraft availability and additional charges.
Cubana de Aviación only has two operational airplanes across the country, as confirmed in January by Joel Archer Santos, president of the Aviation Corporation of Cuba (Cacsa).
Archer Santos attributed the situation to the U.S. embargo, stating that the necessary parts to keep the planes operational are manufactured abroad, and it takes a long time for them to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changes to Domestic Flights by Cubana de Aviación
What are the new flight itineraries of Cubana de Aviación from Havana?
The new departure itineraries from Havana include flights to Holguín, Camagüey, Gerona, and Santiago de Cuba. The frequency and times are: Havana-Holguín on Mondays at 8:30 p.m., Havana-Camagüey on Wednesdays and Sundays at 9:15 p.m., Havana-Gerona on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and Havana-Santiago de Cuba on Tuesdays at 2:50 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:00 p.m.
How can tickets be purchased for domestic flights with Cubana de Aviación?
Tickets can be purchased on the official website of Cubana de Aviación or at its authorized commercial offices. Payment can be made in cash or via bank transfer. It is important to note that the airline is not responsible for tickets purchased through third parties.
Why have the new flight schedules of Cubana de Aviación generated criticism?
The criticisms are mainly due to the scheduling of flights at night, which makes it difficult for passengers to travel to and from the airports, especially in remote provinces. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of options and the absence of clear information regarding the changes.
What problems is Cubana de Aviación facing currently?
Cubana de Aviación is facing an operational crisis due to the reduction of its fleet to only two operational aircraft. Additionally, the airline has had to readjust its routes and schedules amid criticism for poor planning and lack of communication. The situation is further complicated by the government's justification regarding the U.S. embargo, which affects the availability of parts for the aircraft.
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