Cubana Airlines S.A. has disclosed plans to boost the frequency of flights on three domestic routes during July and August 2026, signaling a partial revival of its domestic operations after enduring months of stringent restrictions.
The airline's official statement outlines that the routes benefiting from this expansion include Havana-Gerona-Havana, Havana-Santiago de Cuba-Havana, and Havana-Holguín-Havana, each with specific days and schedules tailored for the summer season.
Flight Schedules and Destinations
The route to Nueva Gerona, located on the Isle of Youth, will operate on Fridays throughout July, with departures from Havana at 10:45 AM and arrivals at 11:15 AM; the return flight will leave at 12:15 PM, reaching Havana by 12:45 PM. In August, this route will switch to Tuesdays and Thursdays, maintaining the same schedule.
Flights to Santiago de Cuba are scheduled for Saturdays, departing Havana at 7:30 AM and arriving at 9:30 AM. The return journey will commence at 10:30 AM, arriving back in the capital at 12:30 PM.
Meanwhile, the route to Holguín will operate on Sundays, with a departure at 7:30 AM from Havana, reaching Holguín by 9:20 AM. The return flight will depart at 10:20 AM, arriving in Havana at 12:10 PM.
Ticket Pricing and Purchase Information
Ticket prices are governed by the Ministry of Finance and Prices’ Resolution 346/2020, with current fares set at 300 Cuban pesos (CUP) for a one-way trip to Gerona, 1,100 CUP to Santiago de Cuba, and 935 CUP to Holguín. Tickets can be purchased on Cubana Airlines' official website or at sales offices, with payment options including cash or transfer. The airline warns that it is not responsible for tickets acquired through third parties.
Challenges in Aviation Amidst an Operational Crisis
This announcement comes amidst a significant operational crisis. Since January 2025, Cubana Airlines has been functioning with only two active aircraft—both ATR 72-500 models—out of a nominal fleet of 12 to 17 planes, most of which are grounded due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance issues.
In November 2025, the airline cut routes to Camagüey and Nueva Gerona, reducing domestic operations to just six weekly flights. The Nueva Gerona route was reinstated in February 2026, and on July 7, an additional flight was operated to this destination, albeit with mandatory in-person reservations at José Martí Airport's Terminal 1 due to the collapse of the National Electrical System.
The situation worsened in February 2026 when the regime informed international airlines of a shortage of Jet A-1 fuel, as reported by Infobae. Consequently, in April 2026, Cuba granted Canada’s Flair Airlines permission to operate flights into the country.
Destinations such as Las Tunas, Moa, Guantánamo, Manzanillo, and Baracoa remain without regular air service from Cubana, highlighting that the increased flight frequencies announced for the summer address only a fraction of the internal air connectivity that the nation requires.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cubana Airlines' Summer Flight Expansion
What routes will Cubana Airlines expand for summer 2026?
Cubana Airlines will increase flights on the Havana-Gerona-Havana, Havana-Santiago de Cuba-Havana, and Havana-Holguín-Havana routes.
How can I purchase tickets for Cubana Airlines' domestic flights?
Tickets can be bought on Cubana Airlines' official website or at their sales offices, with options for payment in cash or via transfer.
What challenges is Cubana Airlines facing in their operations?
Cubana Airlines is facing challenges due to a limited number of active planes and a shortage of spare parts and maintenance issues, among other operational crises.