CHICAGO – United Airlines (UA) has announced the suspension of its sole non-Florida route to Cuba, affecting flights from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV).
The last United Airlines flight on this route will take place on September 1, 2025, with the suspension attributed to seasonal demand fluctuations and heightened U.S. government travel restrictions.
Starting September 2, 2025, the IAH-HAV service, currently the only U.S.-Cuba flight operated by a U.S. airline outside of Florida, will be halted.
The daily flights, serviced by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, have faced challenges due to a combination of low demand during off-peak months and stringent regulatory constraints.
United Airlines has indicated its intention to resume the route by Summer 2026, depending on market conditions.
A filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) highlights that demand on the IAH-HAV route is historically seasonal, making daily service economically unfeasible during lean months.
In the filing, United Airlines noted that it has been granted DOT flexibility regarding seasonal route adjustments, similar to requests made by other carriers like American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), and JetBlue Airways (B6).
The continuation of its authority to operate on this route is essential for United Airlines to provide competitive services once market demand improves.
The decision to suspend the Houston-Havana route is closely linked to recent shifts in U.S. travel policy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
These policy changes have included renewed warnings against tourism to Cuba and stricter travel regulations on Cuban nationals visiting the U.S., significantly impacting the demand for flights to Cuba.
As a result of the increased regulations, interest in traveling to Cuba from the U.S. has dwindled, causing a decline in bookings for this route.
Given these factors, United Airlines has concluded that continuing the service is not economically viable until there is a potential shift in travel demand or policy.
Despite this suspension, United Airlines plans to maintain a weekly charter flight from Jacksonville, Florida (JAX) to Guantanamo Bay (NBW), operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9.
This selective service highlights the continued albeit limited, U.S.-Cuba flight operations.
The airline remains committed to resuming the daily flights from Houston to Havana by Summer 2026, dependent on improvements in market conditions.
Overall, United Airlines joins other U.S. carriers in reducing services to Cuba in light of a complicated regulatory and market environment.
In addition to operational changes by airlines, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Cuba (CU), urging travelers to exercise increased caution.
This advisory comes amidst a rising crime rate and frequent power outages across the country, further complicating travel plans.
Travel to Havana (HAV) and other regions in Cuba remains heavily restricted for U.S. nationals under current regulations from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), with the need for appropriate licensing required for legal travel.
Unauthorized travel to Cuba may result in serious legal repercussion, including fines or prosecution.
The U.S. government has updated its guidance for travelers heading to Cuba, considering the deteriorating public safety environment and critical infrastructure challenges.
Incidents of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, are increasingly reported, particularly in tourist hotspots.
More concerning are the spikes in violent crimes, including armed robberies and homicides.
U.S. laws categorically prohibit travel to Cuba for tourism, and individuals under U.S. jurisdiction—including citizens and residents—must adhere to strict travel regulations.
Travelers are required to ensure their trips fall under one of the 12 authorized categories like journalism, research, or humanitarian efforts, necessitating a general OFAC license.
Travel outside of these categories requires a specific license from OFAC, with violations potentially leading to severe penalties.
Since October 2024, Cuba has been experiencing widespread power outages, sometimes lasting as long as 12 hours daily, particularly in Havana.
Outside the capital, disruptions may extend even longer, impacting vital services and businesses.
While some essential facilities utilize backup generators, ongoing fuel shortages limit their operations during prolonged blackouts, compounding traveler frustrations.
Travelers planning to visit Cuba should make preparations for the likelihood of power disruptions.
Recommended measures include keeping mobile devices charged, carrying backup power sources, and having flashlights on hand, along with nonperishable food and clean water.
Additionally, tourists should develop alternatives for medical devices that need refrigeration and essential medications.
In the context of limited civil liberties in Cuba, public demonstrations can be risky for U.S. citizens, who are advised to avoid protests and politically sensitive areas.
U.S. Embassy personnel are required to inform Cuban authorities before traveling outside Havana, potentially delaying emergency assistance for Americans in need.
To stay informed and facilitate communication during emergencies, U.S. travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Pre-travel preparations for Cuba should also include confirming a valid OFAC license, reviewing travel guidelines, and getting comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Travelers should check the CDC’s health notices and consult the Traveler’s Checklist issued by the U.S. State Department.
Inadequate preparation or failure to comply with travel regulations can expose travelers to significant risks during their time in Cuba.
For timely updates, travelers are encouraged to stay in touch with reliable sources and follow relevant social media channels.
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