U.S.-Cuba Flights Tighten as Delta Cuts, United Exits

Published on Nov 6, 2025, 10:37 am CST

3 min read

Key points

Delta pauses Atlanta-Havana Oct 26, 2025-Mar 28, 2026 and cuts Miami-Havana to once daily
United ended Houston-Havana on Sept 2, 2025, removing a non-Florida gateway
Remaining nonstop U.S. gateways to Havana concentrate at Miami and Tampa
Expect fewer seats, higher average fares, and tighter availability on return dates
American trims select Cuba frequencies under DOT waivers, further tightening capacity

Impact

Fewer Nonstop Choices: Non-Florida gateways shrink as United exits Houston-Havana and Delta suspends Atlanta-Havana
Higher Fare Pressure: Reduced frequencies concentrate demand into Miami and Tampa, raising average prices
Watch Return Availability: Sold-out Havana returns are more likely during peak weeks through March 2026
Reaccommodation Options: Impacted Delta and United customers should be offered refunds or rebooking via Miami or Tampa
Document Requirements: Travel still requires an authorized purpose and Cuba entry forms, plan extra time for approvals
Cash Planning: U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba, carry sufficient cash for the trip

U.S.-Cuba air capacity tightens this winter as multiple carriers scale back Havana flying. Delta Air Lines will suspend Atlanta-Havana from October 26, 2025 through March 28, 2026 and reduce Miami-Havana to one daily roundtrip for the same season under a Department of Transportation dormancy waiver. United Airlines has already ended Houston-Havana as of September 2, 2025, removing a key non-Florida gateway. For travelers, this means fewer nonstop options, more routings via Miami or Tampa, and rising odds of sold-out return dates through late March.

Delta and United changes, by date

The DOT granted Delta a dormancy waiver running September 17, 2025 to March 28, 2026 that covers its Atlanta-Havana frequencies for the IATA winter season. In practice, Delta is pausing Atlanta-Havana entirely and operating Miami-Havana at roughly half of prior levels, shifting to about one daily roundtrip through March 28, 2026. United Airlines, by contrast, ceased its Houston-Havana operation effective September 2, 2025, removing the only nonstop link between Havana and a United hub until at least summer 2026. These steps compound a broader seasonal drawdown in Cuba flying that DOT dockets and trade publications have documented across multiple carriers.

Remaining U.S. gateways to Havana

With Atlanta and Houston off the board for winter, most U.S.-Havana flying consolidates over Florida. As of early November, nonstop maps show Miami retained by American and Delta and Tampa served by Southwest. That concentration increases the load on Miami International Airport for both Cuba-bound departures and Havana returns, with Tampa offering a limited alternative for travelers who can position within Florida.

What this means for fares and availability

Seasonal reductions and fewer gateways tend to lift average fares, particularly on prime outbound days and Sunday returns from Havana. Expect tighter award space and fewer through-checked options outside Florida. If you are affected by a cancellation or long-term suspension, U.S. rules and carrier policies typically allow a refund to original form of payment for the unused portion, or reaccommodation on available services, often via Miami or Tampa, depending on inventory. Monitor your reservation for automatic rebooking and be ready with specific alternate dates and routings to speed agents' work.

Background: policy and payment realities

Travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens remains subject to OFAC-authorized categories, plus Cuba's entry formalities. Delta and agency advisories note an electronic travel authorization requirement for many non-Cuban nationals and the mandatory D'Viajeros form. Separately, the U.S. State Department currently lists Cuba at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution. Crucially, U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not function in Cuba; the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Havana advise travelers to bring sufficient cash to cover the trip.

Final thoughts

With Delta's winter reductions and United's Houston exit, U.S.-Cuba flights are funneled mainly through Miami and Tampa through March 28, 2025. Build flexibility into dates, search one-way availability to solve sold-out returns, and confirm your authorized travel category and cash plan well before departure to Havana.