Swiss airline Edelweiss Air has declared its intention to halt flights to Cuba starting in March, dealing yet another setback to the island's struggling tourism sector, which is already seeing a sharp decline in international visitors. This change will take effect after February 27, the date of the last scheduled flight between Zurich and Havana, a route traditionally served by Edelweiss using its largest aircraft, the Airbus A340.
The airline attributes this decision to the challenges in maintaining stable and reliable long-haul operations at Havana's airport over the long term. "Following a thorough review, Edelweiss has opted to suspend flights to Havana beginning in March 2025," report German media sources quoting the airline. The decision is influenced not only by the challenging conditions at Havana’s José Martí Airport but also by declining demand.
An on-site inspection by Edelweiss confirmed the difficulties in ensuring stable and dependable long-distance operations. Edelweiss, which offers seating for 300 or even up to 314 passengers depending on the aircraft, noted it will continue to operate direct flights from Kloten to Havana and back to Zurich every Thursday without stops.
"Edelweiss regrets the inconvenience and appreciates your understanding," the airline stated at the conclusion of its announcement. With this withdrawal, Edelweiss leaves the door open for alternatives such as flights with Air Europa or Iberia, both of which include a stopover in Madrid.
The decision is set to impact 478 individuals who booked the Zurich – Havana route for March or the subsequent months and 679 who reserved the Havana – Zurich route. In 2024, Cuba faced multiple cancellations from various international airlines, significantly reducing the island's air connectivity. Recently, the German airline Condor announced it would cease operations, removing the only direct connection with Germany.
According to Aviacionline, the decision is driven by a decrease in passenger demand and escalating issues with Cuba's local infrastructure, including power outages and supply shortages. These factors have adversely affected traveler experiences and Condor's operations.
Moreover, a recent preliminary report by Cuba's National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) presented concerning figures about the tourism sector's performance in 2024, solidifying a bleak outlook for one of the country's primary revenue sources. The data showed a significant drop in international visitors compared to projections, with a decrease from previous years.
By November 2024, Cuba had welcomed 2,719,259 travelers, representing 95.2% of the total recorded in the same period of 2022, which translates to 137,047 fewer travelers. Of these, international visitors totaled 2,005,390, marking a 92.1% decline compared to the previous year, equating to 172,451 fewer visitors.
Key Questions About Edelweiss Air's Decision and Its Impact on Cuba
Why is Edelweiss Air stopping flights to Cuba?
Edelweiss Air is halting flights due to challenges in ensuring stable long-haul operations at Havana’s airport and decreasing passenger demand.
How will this decision affect Cuba's tourism sector?
The suspension of Edelweiss flights will further diminish Cuba's international connectivity, impacting the already struggling tourism industry.
Are there alternative flights available for travelers?
Travelers may consider flights with Air Europa or Iberia, which include a stopover in Madrid, as alternatives to Edelweiss's direct flights.