The German airline Condor has announced plans to halt all flights to Cuba beginning in May 2025, effectively terminating the only direct air link between Germany and the Caribbean island. This strategic decision will impact destinations like Havana, Varadero, and Holguín, which are the sole Cuban locations currently served by Condor's regular flights.
According to reports from Aviacionline, the move is driven by a decline in passenger demand and escalating issues with Cuba's local infrastructure, including frequent power outages and shortages. These challenges have adversely affected both the traveler experience and Condor's operations.
"We will redirect capacity to destinations with higher demand," a spokesperson for the airline told the German outlet aeroTELEGRAPH, highlighting that "airline route planning and network design fundamentally rely on economic efficiency principles."
Additionally, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged tourists since late October to carefully consider their travel plans to Cuba. Travelers should anticipate disruptions such as internet and mobile phone service outages, as well as difficulties in accessing cash from ATMs. With limited banking services available, long wait times are expected, warned German authorities.
Condor's withdrawal adds to a series of reductions in Cuba's international flight connections. For instance, in May 2024, Cubana de Aviación suspended flights between Havana and Buenos Aires due to fuel procurement issues in Argentina, further limiting direct flight options to South America. That same month, TUI, a leading European vacation travel company, announced the permanent cessation of flights to Varadero from Amsterdam, citing a severe drop in demand and insufficient passenger numbers for flights to the island.
The independent Cuban news outlet Diario de Cuba (DDC) also confirmed that Swiss airline Edelweiss, a subsidiary of Swiss Air, plans its final departure to Havana on May 8, 2025.
Implications of Condor's Departure from Cuba
Why is Condor ceasing flights to Cuba?
Condor is stopping flights due to a decline in passenger demand and significant infrastructure issues in Cuba, such as power outages and shortages, which are affecting travelers' experiences.
What other airlines have reduced flights to Cuba?
Other airlines like Cubana de Aviación and TUI have also reduced flights to Cuba due to various challenges, including fuel shortages and decreased passenger demand.
How might Condor's decision impact tourism in Cuba?
Condor's decision may further isolate Cuba from European tourists, potentially leading to a decrease in visitors from Germany and affecting the local tourism industry.