A chartered flight operated by Air Key West took off this Wednesday from Havana's José Martí International Airport, heading towards Key West International Airport in Florida, as reported by the flight tracking platform Flightradar24.
The details of this notable flight were shared by user Falcon (@FlconEYES). The aircraft, a Partenavia P.68C registered in the United States with the tail number N686KW, departed at 5:04 p.m. and was expected to arrive at 5:47 p.m., making the flight duration approximately 43 minutes.
During its journey, the plane flew at an altitude of about 5,500 feet and maintained a ground speed of 111 knots. Flight records indicate that it made round trips between Key West (EYW) and Havana (HAV) on February 9 and 11, 2026.
The aircraft, built in 1986, is a light twin-engine model often used for private flights or regional charter services. The route connecting Havana and Key West is among the shortest between Cuba and the United States.
This flight takes place amid a severe fuel crisis affecting the island, causing transportation issues and impacting various sectors.
In recent weeks, the Cuban government has acknowledged the challenges in energy supply.
The operation of this flight has been discussed on social media, although no official details have emerged regarding the passengers or the purpose of the trips.
Understanding the Impact of Charter Flights Between Cuba and the US
Why are charter flights significant between Havana and Key West?
Charter flights between Havana and Key West are significant due to the short distance, making them a quick and convenient option for travel between Cuba and the United States, especially amidst the ongoing transportation challenges in Cuba.
What are the current challenges faced by Cuba that affect flights?
Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel crisis, which has resulted in transportation limitations and disruptions across different sectors, complicating regular travel and logistics.