United Ending Havana Route

United later added a flight to Havana from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, but this service was dropped in 2023.

A United Boeing 737-800
A United Boeing 737-800 (Photo: Shutterstock)
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

United is ending its nonstop service between Houston and the Cuban capital of Havana.

The carrier made the announcement on Friday through United Jetstream, its travel management portal. It said the last flights between Houston and Havana will take place Sept. 1.

The airline did not reply to a request from AirlineGeeks seeking additional details about the cancellation.

United’s route is the only nonstop connection between Houston and Havana, and the only U.S. flight to Cuba not based in Florida. The carrier uses Boeing 737-800s for the 930-mile journey.

United launched its service to Havana in 2016 amid a rare diplomatic thaw between the U.S. and Cuba. It was the first nonstop flight between Texas and Cuba in over 50 years.

United later added a flight to Havana from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, but this service was dropped in 2023. The carrier cited fluctuating demand and difficult route economics.

U.S. citizens are prohibited from visiting Cuba as tourists, but travel is permitted under 12 approved categories, including family visits, research, professional meetings, humanitarian work, religious activities, athletic competitions, and official business of the U.S. government. These exemptions allow thousands of people to fly between the U.S. and Cuba every week.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE