The state-owned airline, Cubana de Aviación, has lost its operating permits to fly in Ecuador after recent revocation by authorities. The National Civil Aviation Council (CNAC) of the South American nation issued this decision in Agreement No. 025/2024 on July 2, ending the regular international cargo and mail operations that the Cuban airline conducted in the country, as reported by the news blog Nicolás Larenas.
Cubana de Aviación has faced challenges operating in Ecuador, primarily due to the non-functionality of its only cargo plane, the Tupolev Tu-204-100EC, which is grounded in Havana and cannot be reactivated. Additionally, the permanent closure of its commercial partner, LAS of Colombia, which operated a weekly flight to Quito Airport on its behalf, worsened the situation.
The CNAC based its decision on the failure to comply with Article 48 of the Regulation of Operating Permits for the Provision of Commercial Air Transport Services, as well as the grounds for revocation established in item i) of Article 53 of the same regulation. The airline had not operated in Ecuador for more than a year, leading authorities to revoke its permit.
In June 2017, Cubana de Aviación had expressed its intention to operate regular passenger flights from Havana to Quito and Guayaquil with up to five flights between the two cities. However, this initiative did not succeed because the airline failed to meet the necessary requirements for securing those routes.
The revocation of the operating permit represents a significant setback for Cubana de Aviación, which had been operating in Ecuador for several years. This measure could also have a minor negative impact on the Ecuadorian economy, as the Cuban airline was the only one offering direct cargo flights between Ecuador and Cuba.
According to Article 54 of the Regulation of Operating Permits for the Provision of Commercial Air Transport Services, Cubana de Aviación will not be able to apply for a new operating permit until a minimum of six months have passed since the date of the revocation resolution. Additionally, the airline must resolve the issues that led to the revocation before it can reapply for operations in Ecuador.
Impact of Cubana de Aviación's Permit Revocation in Ecuador
Here, we address some frequently asked questions regarding the impact of the revocation of Cubana de Aviación's operating permit in Ecuador and the future implications for both the airline and the countries involved.
Why did Cubana de Aviación lose its operating permit in Ecuador?
Cubana de Aviación lost its operating permit due to non-compliance with specific regulations and the inability to operate in Ecuador for over a year.
What are the main reasons behind the airline's operational difficulties in Ecuador?
The primary reasons include the non-functionality of its only cargo plane and the closure of its commercial partner in Colombia.
How long will Cubana de Aviación be unable to apply for a new operating permit?
Cubana de Aviación will be unable to apply for a new operating permit for at least six months from the date of the revocation resolution.