Colombian airline Avianca announced this Friday that it is suspending the resumption of its Bogotá-Havana flights, which were scheduled to start on July 2. Regarding the reasons for the cancellation, Avianca briefly stated that it is "due to operational issues," according to several travel websites.
The company did not specify a new date for the return of the air route. The airline advises passengers who had already purchased tickets to request a refund via its website, mobile app, or directly through the travel agencies where the tickets were bought. Avianca also recommended that customers keep their contact information updated in their reservations to ensure effective communication in case of future changes or updates regarding the flight status.
"This delay has created some uncertainty among passengers. The airline has not specified a new start date for this route, emphasizing the importance of resolving operational issues before offering a reliable service," noted the specialized site Aviation Club Center.
Impact on Cuba-South America Connectivity
After four years without operating the route connecting Havana with Bogotá, in April, Cuban Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos García Granda announced that Avianca would resume its flights to Cuba. The tourism minister anticipated the arrival of the Colombian airline in July, with four weekly frequencies.
Avianca began flying twice a week to Cuba in 2012, but in January 2020, it announced the suspension of its operations due to possible U.S. sanctions.
The announcement from Avianca complicates Cuba's air connectivity with South America, as just a few days ago, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) announced the suspension of its route between Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Havana from July 25, 2024. BoA operated that route for only nine months since its launch in October 2023.
The main airline of the South American nation did not specify the reason for the route cancellation, although industry analysts anticipated that such actions usually occur when the business is unsustainable and generates losses. BoA's suspension added to the prior decisions of Aerolíneas Argentinas and Cubana de Aviación to cease their operations to the island's capital.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Tourism recovery in Cuba post-pandemic remains much slower than in other Caribbean countries. Recently, international consultancy ForwardKeys reported that Cuba received 4 percent more tourists in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, but air capacity decreased by 1 percent.
The Cuban government has been falling short of its tourist arrival targets for almost five years, yet it continues to build new luxury hotels that remain nearly empty most of the year. In 2023, the plan was to reach 3.5 million tourists, but they barely achieved 70 percent of that goal. This key sector for the island's struggling economy still does not show true signs of recovery.
FAQs about Avianca's Flight Suspension to Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Avianca's recent decision to suspend its flights to Cuba and its broader implications.
Why did Avianca suspend its flights to Cuba?
Avianca cited operational issues as the reason for suspending its Bogotá-Havana flights.
How can passengers get a refund for their tickets?
Passengers can request a refund through Avianca's website, mobile app, or directly with the travel agencies where they purchased their tickets.
What impact does this suspension have on Cuba's connectivity with South America?
The suspension further complicates Cuba's direct air connectivity with South America, especially following the recent suspension of routes by BoA, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and Cubana de Aviación.