Delta Air Lines попросила сократить полеты в Кубу из-за кризиса туризма и экономики

Delta Air Lines has requested permission to significantly reduce its flights to Cuba during the winter season of 2026-2027. If granted, this move would leave the airline with only one daily flight between Miami and Havana and no direct service from Atlanta. The company has filed an application with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to temporarily suspend 14 out of the 21 weekly flights it is authorized to operate to Cuba between October 25, 2026, and March 27, 2027, as reported by Aviacionline. At present, Delta operates 14 weekly flights on the Miami-Havana route and seven on the Atlanta-Havana route. The application proposes suspending all seven flights from Atlanta and seven of those from Miami. Should the DOT approve this request, Delta would retain the rights to these frequencies for potential future use, even if they remain inactive for several months. The airline previously received a similar exemption for the winter of 2025-2026, during which it halted Atlanta-Havana flights and reduced its Miami operations. In March, the DOT granted another waiver for the summer of 2026, but stipulated that Delta must resume operations by October 25 of that year. However, Delta now argues that "market conditions have not sufficiently improved" to do so. The reasons cited include the deteriorating Cuban economy, a drop in international tourism, increased restrictions for certain Cuban travelers, and aviation fuel availability issues on the island. According to Delta, the segment that maintains relatively strong demand is travel for visiting family and friends from South Florida, which explains their intent to maintain daily service from Miami. More Airlines Cut Back on Flights to Cuba Delta is not alone in scaling back its presence in the Cuban market. American Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest have also sought or received exemptions related to routes to Cuba that are suspended during 2026. Additionally, major Canadian airlines such as WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat, and Air Canada have withdrawn, and Iberia has decided to keep its Madrid-Havana route suspended until at least June 2027. These reductions coincide with a severe tourism crisis on the island. Between January and June 2026, Cuba welcomed 387,591 international visitors, marking a 60.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. As of now, Delta's proposed cuts have not been approved. The final decision rests with the DOT, which must determine whether to allow the airline to keep these frequencies inactive without losing its rights to them. Frequently Asked Questions About Delta's Flight Reductions to Cuba Why is Delta reducing its flights to Cuba? Delta cites the worsening Cuban economy, a drop in tourism, increased travel restrictions, and fuel availability issues as reasons for reducing its flights. Which flights will Delta suspend if the request is approved? Delta plans to suspend all seven weekly flights from Atlanta to Havana and seven of the 14 flights from Miami to Havana. Are other airlines also reducing flights to Cuba? Yes, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and several Canadian airlines have either reduced or suspended their flight operations to Cuba.