Starting this June, Santa Clara's Abel Santamaría Cuadrado International Airport is set to enhance its international connectivity with routes to the United States, Canada, Panama, Spain, and Portugal, as reported by the specialized portal Travel And Tour World. However, while these flights are being heralded as an expansion, the truth is that most of them have already been in operation, with many functioning as traditional charters or seasonal regular routes. Nevertheless, the influx of tourists is a strategic move to bolster commercial ties in central Cuba, providing easier access to destinations like the Santa María Keys, a major tourist hub in the country.
Among the airlines continuing their services are American Airlines, offering daily flights from Miami; Copa Airlines, with two weekly flights from Panama; and Air Transat along with WestJet, providing services from Canada. The highlight of this network is the introduction of a direct flight from Madrid operated by Iberojet, with its inaugural journey scheduled for June 27, 2025. Additionally, the Lisbon route remains operational, with flights on Tuesdays.
Expanded U.S. Connections
A key component of the new network is the flights from the United States, with American Airlines running a daily service between Miami and Santa Clara. Furthermore, charter flights will be available throughout the week, with departures and arrivals from Miami, Tampa, and Southwest, distributed as follows:
- Monday and Tuesday: 2 flights to Miami
- Wednesday: 2 flights to Miami
- Thursday: 5 flights (3 to Miami, 1 Miami-Tampa, 1 Tampa-Miami)
- Friday: 5 flights (3 to Miami, 1 Miami-Southwest, 1 Southwest-Miami)
- Saturday: 5 flights (3 from Miami, 1 Miami-Tampa, 1 Tampa-Miami)
- Sunday: 6 flights (4 to Miami, 1 Miami-Tampa, 1 Tampa-Miami)
Panama: Gateway to South America
Travelers looking to connect with destinations in South America and the Caribbean can take advantage of Copa Airlines' twice-weekly flights between Santa Clara and Panama City, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays. This route reinforces Panama's status as a regional hub and expands travel opportunities to and from Cuba.
Canada: Extensive Offerings from Toronto and Montreal
The Canadian market will also play a significant role in this expansion. WestJet will run seven weekly flights to Santa Clara, following this schedule:
- Wednesday: 2 flights (Montreal and Toronto)
- Thursday and Friday: 1 daily flight from/to Toronto
- Saturday: 2 flights (Montreal and Toronto)
- Sunday: 1 flight to Toronto
Additionally, Air Transat will add two weekly flights:
- Monday: from Toronto
- Sunday: from Montreal
European Connections: Direct Flights to Madrid and Lisbon
The standout addition this season is the direct flight between Santa Clara and Madrid, operated by Iberojet, with its first flight set for June 27, 2025. This weekly connection marks a milestone in linking central Cuba with Europe. Iberojet will also maintain its regular service from Lisbon, Portugal, with flights every Tuesday in June.
This maintenance of routes, rather than a true expansion, comes at a critical time for the Cuban tourism sector. Official data indicates a 29.7% drop in international tourists in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, with hotel occupancy plummeting to 24.1%. Even the Meliá hotel chain has highlighted infrastructure deterioration, power outages, and shortages as key factors in the destination's declining competitiveness.
Adding to this, international airlines like Cóndor and Edelweiss have ceased their flights to Cuba due to low demand and lack of profitability. These withdrawals reflect a diminishing appeal of the country for many tour operators, especially in the European market.
Tourists' criticisms have not been long in coming. A Panamanian tourist shared her negative experience at Havana's José Martí International Airport on social media, denouncing the lack of hygiene and basic services. Similarly, a Spanish tourist warned about common scams and widespread shortages on the island.
These testimonies join reports of insecurity, such as a Colombian tourist who was robbed in Havana. Despite the dire economic and social situation, the Cuban government continues to prioritize investments in the tourism sector. In 2024, nearly 40% of its investments were directed towards tourism-related activities, while essential sectors like health and agriculture remain neglected.
This strategy has faced criticism from economists and citizens, who question the logic of investing in a declining sector while the population struggles with food, medicine, and basic service shortages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's New Flight Routes
What airlines are operating flights to Santa Clara, Cuba?
American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Air Transat, WestJet, and Iberojet are among the airlines operating flights to Santa Clara.
When will the direct flight from Madrid to Santa Clara begin?
The direct flight from Madrid to Santa Clara, operated by Iberojet, is scheduled to begin on June 27, 2025.
Why are some international airlines leaving Cuba?
Some international airlines, like Cóndor and Edelweiss, have ceased flights to Cuba due to low demand and profitability issues.
What challenges does Cuba's tourism sector currently face?
Cuba's tourism sector faces challenges such as infrastructure deterioration, power outages, shortages, and a significant drop in international tourist numbers.