February 12, 2025
JetBlue will suspend all flights to Cuba this month – Simple Flight

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Summary

  • JetBlue has suspended all flights to Cuba due to the drop in travel and regulatory restrictions.
  • Restrictions on customers’ ability to enter Cuba and changes in the regulatory landscape have impacted demand.
  • The suspension of the Havana route allowed aircraft and resources to be deployed on more favorable routes.

New York-based hybrid airline JetBlue has announced the suspension of all flights to Cuba after its last day of service on September 17. The news comes after a drop in travel to the island and a number of regulatory restrictions for customers on both sides. JetBlue was the first US airline to operate commercial flights between the two countries in more than 50 years. After more than seven years of scheduled services on the island, it is now time to leave.

All services to Cuba suspended

The airline, which made history in 2016 by operating the first commercial flight between the United States and Cuba in more than five decades, announced a strategic move. The 2016 announcement was a result of the restored diplomatic relations between the two countries in July 2015.

JetBlue was the first to explore the possibility of air travel to the island. Seven years later, things are looking bleak for the airline with respect to its Cuban routes.

The airline is looking to discontinue all services to Cuba in an effort to focus on routes that show increased demand and perform better. Regulatory restrictions and economic ties are hampering the airline’s handling of route performance. According to airline officials,

Changes in the regulatory landscape and restrictions on our customers’ ability to enter Cuba have significantly impacted demand for island travel. We look forward to resuming our service to Havana and continuing to seek opportunities within Cuba should future travel become more accessible.

Since last year, Cuban residents have been facing a number of travel restrictions when attempting to enter the country from the United States. The Cuban government has been vocal about the few individuals who are banned from entering the country. Many individuals have either been denied boarding or have been denied entry into the country.

Photo: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

Furthermore, the country has struggled to regain tourism despite the long-lasting effects of the pandemic. In January, Cuba required travelers to complete a pre-arrival form known as d’viajeros. The airline is required to receive the completed form prior to travel to the island nation.

JetBlue has indicated its intention to resume services to Havana in the future when travel conditions and demand are more favorable. Suspending the route to Havana also meant deploying aircraft and resources to destinations that are more suited to the airline’s business model. Also, the airline is keen to focus on better performing routes in the network.

Photo: Philip Pilosian | Shutterstock

An exit from Havana may result in increased frequencies on other routes or the introduction of new routes by the airline. With an expected increase in travel during the upcoming winter season, airlines aim to capitalize on the opportunity by focusing on high-performing routes.

The carrier will actively provide full refunds to customers who are affected by the suspension of routes to Cuba.

What are your thoughts on JetBlue suspending all service to and from Cuba? Have you ever traveled on JetBlue to Cuba? Tell us in the comments section.

Source: NBC News

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