Negotiations for resuming flights

Russia and Cuba are discussing the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, which were suspended in February due to a fuel shortage in Cuba. These talks are happening as the number of Russian tourists visiting Cuba has dropped significantly.

Sharp decline in Russian visitors

Cuba received 21,563 Russian tourists between January and August 2026, compared to 80,653 during the same period in 2025. This represents a decrease of 59,090 visitors, with an even steeper drop in August, when only 189 Russian tourists arrived, down from 8,463 a year earlier.

Cuba no longer a top Russian destination

According to the Association of Russian Travel Agencies, Cuba is no longer among the top ten most sold destinations for Russian travelers planning trips by the end of October. This reflects the impact of the drop in visitors on the sales of tourist packages.

Fuel shortage remains a key issue

Fuel supply problems are the main barrier to resuming flights. Russian diplomats have confirmed that the resumption of air links is still under discussion, but it depends on meeting specific conditions, including resolving the fuel shortage, though no timeline has been given.

Flights suspended due to kerosene shortage

Russian airlines Rossiya and Nordwind stopped their regular flights to Cuba in February after airport authorities reported a shortage of Jet A-1 kerosene. This led to the need for repatriation flights for Russian tourists still in Cuba and disrupted regular connections with a market that Cuba had hoped to develop.

Broader tourism crisis in Cuba

The decline in Russian visitors is part of a larger downturn in tourism in Cuba. The country welcomed 450,353 international visitors between January and August 2026, a drop of 64.4% compared to the same period in 2025. Discussions between the two countries do not guarantee the resumption of flights, which still depends on resolving fuel supply issues and ensuring regular air links.