AMERICAN Airlines execs appear to have sent a defiant message when it comes to flights to a Caribbean paradise – while other major carriers are set to make sweeping changes to schedules.
United and Southwest officials have taken steps to cut certain services and travelers will be impacted in days.
American Airlines officials have issued a defiant message when it comes to flights to an island destination[/caption]
But, American has filed papers requesting cuts in services to destinations such as Havana[/caption]
Travelers who fly with United are unable to book flights linking Houston, Texas, and Havana, Cuba, after September 1.
That’s because United chiefs have decided to suspend the route.
In July, United officials confirmed to the U.S. Sun that the decision was made due to demand.
But, United wasn’t the only airline to shake-up their schedules.
Chiefs at Southwest have decided to cut one of its daily return services that link Havana and Tampa, Florida. This change will come into force on September 4.
Currently, the low-cost carrier offers two return services between the cities.
But, American Airlines appears to have taken a different stance.
Papers, which have been seen by The U.S. Sun and filed to the Department of Transportation, reveal American Airlines has no plans to exit the Cuban market.
The carrier made a pledge as it asked DOT chiefs to move a temporary dormancy waiver to cover the winter season.
In the documents, airline officials alluded to challenges linked to passenger demand.
They explained the waiver would help the carrier deploy aircraft more efficiently.
If granted, a number of American Airlines services would be impacted.
It would impact three of the carrier’s eight daily Miami-Havana round-trips that are scheduled for Mondays, Thursday, Fridays and Sundays.
And, four of the carrier’s eight daily round-trips between the two cities on Tuesday and Wednesdays would be affected.
FLIGHT CHANGES
Daily round-trips between Miami and Santiago De Cuba would also be impacted if the waiver comes into force.
The waiver request includes one of the carrier’s two round-trips between Miami and Santa Clara.
American officials say they would look to restart services should it be in the carrier’s interests.
Routes would only be suspended until March 28, 2026, according to the documents.
Delta is the other airline that offers services between the US and Cuba.
Last month, a source told The U.S. Sun airline bosses look at the market when making decisions on routes.
Delta has a twice-daily year round service between Miami and Havana.
Why might an airline cancel or suspend routes?
By Chris Bradford, Assistant News Editor
To cut or make changes to airline routes, carriers have to file motions to the Department of Transportation first for approval. Airlines often refer to market conditions when explaining the motive behind a decision, such as:
- Demand. If bosses notice popularity for a particular route is down, they may be inclined to make a cut.
- Money. Services might be cut because they are not financially viable.
- Resources. Airlines might also make changes if they’re grappling with factors such as rising fuel costs, or pilot shortages. Making targeted cuts can allow airlines to allocate resources more effectively.
But sometimes, the political landscape can provide context behind a particular decision to cut or add routes.
If there are travel restrictions in place, then airlines may decide to take a particular course of action.
Right now, for example, airlines are cutting routes to and from Cuba.
President Donald Trump has demonstrated a tougher policy stance toward Cuba compared to his predecessor, Joe Biden.
He has vowed to enforce a ban on tourism to Cuba more strictly.
Cuba is on the state sponsors of terrorism list compiled by the US Government.
The U.S. Sun has confirmed that Southwest Airlines has requested to cut its number of Tampa, Florida, to Havana, Cuba services.
Southwest currently offers twice daily round trip services between the two cities, but from September 4, this service will be reduced to one daily return trip.
Bosses want the temporary schedule change to remain in place until March 2026.
Southwest has not ruled out a return to the twice daily return trip service if market conditions warrant it.
The low-cost provider is not the only airline that has made changes to its Cuba routes.
United Airlines is ending its sole direct service between Houston and Havana from September 2.
And, bosses at American Airlines have also filed a motion with the DOT to reduce its routes to Cuba.
Earlier this year, major carriers such as United, Delta, and American Airlines temporarily suspended routes to the Middle East due to the hostilities in the region.
Airlines have taken the decision to trim routes between the US and Cuban destinations – just months after Donald Trump returned to the White House.
During his first term, Trump was particularly aggressive in his policy toward the island.
In 2019, Trump halted cruises to the island as part of his crackdown.
And, in September 2020, he unveiled measures that included a ban on Americans importing Cuban cigars.
He also banned Americans from staying in hotels funded by the Havana regime.
And, he has shown signs of taking a hard line again.
Trump has implemented a new travel ban on Cuba.
STATE SPONSOR OF TERRORISM
Cuba, known for its vintage American cars, cigars and rum, is among the countries that are on the state sponsor of terrorism list.
Trump reversed the decision of Joe Biden, who removed the Havana government from the list days before leaving office.
Last month, a slew of top Cuban officials, including the country’s president, were sanctioned by the State Department.
US government officials said the sanctions were related to the Communist regime’s alleged brutality toward its people.
Alleged cronies and stooges linked to the Cuban regime were also sanctioned.
The US is also revoking the visas of other foreign government officials that have been involved in a Cuban medical program that sees doctors sent abroad.
“This scheme enriches the corrupt Cuban regime and deprives the Cuban people of essential medical care,” State Department officials have claimed.
Washington has claimed this program is a form of “forced labor” – allegations which Havana strongly denies.
Vintage American cars are often seen roaming the streets of Havana[/caption]
Major airlines such as United and Southwest are among carriers cutting routes to Cuban destinations[/caption]
