American Airlines has requested a temporary dormancy waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to reduce certain flights to Cuba following new partial travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. Unlike outright travel bans, these restrictions limit travel between the U.S. and Cuba to individuals with specific visas, expected to decrease passenger demand on Cuba routes.
The new measures, effective June 9, 2025, restrict U.S. entry for citizens of Cuba and six other countries unless they hold certain visa types, impacting American Airlines’ operations. To better manage capacity amid declining demand, American Airlines proposes suspending up to three of its eight daily Miami-Havana round trips, increasing to four flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, until the end of the summer season in October. The carrier also plans to suspend its daily Miami-Santiago de Cuba service.
American Airlines, which dominates U.S.-Cuba air travel with nearly 75% of scheduled flights and over 9,000 flights planned for 2025, has expanded its Cuban network beyond Havana to cities including Camaguey, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and Varadero. The waiver would provide operational flexibility to adapt to market challenges while maintaining service where possible.
This move follows similar waiver requests by other U.S. carriers like United Airlines, which seek flexibility as the new travel rules reshape passenger flows to Cuba. The full impact on U.S.-Cuba air travel remains uncertain as the restrictions currently have no defined end date.
Swifteradio.com
