United Airlines Suspends Cuba Route: What Changed and Why

United Airlines suspended its daily Houston to Havana flight from 2 September 2025, with the last flight on 1 September. It was one of the few nonstop routes to Havana from outside Florida. The airline cited seasonal demand and new US travel restrictions. This page explains what changed, what United said and what it means for flights between the US and Cuba.

What United announced

The route used a Boeing 737-800 between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV). United said traffic on the route was highly seasonal, with sharp drops outside peak periods, which made a daily flight hard to justify. Jetsetter Guide reported that the suspension removed about 1,162 seats a week.

United also asked the US Department of Transportation for a dormancy waiver. That lets it keep its rights on the route while the service is paused. The airline said it expected to resume service no later than the start of the summer 2026 season. Check United's website for the current schedule, as plans can change.

The policy background

On 30 June 2025 President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum on Cuba policy, aiming to restore and strengthen the US government's position towards Cuba and tightening rules on travel and business links. US travel to Cuba already needed to fit one of a list of authorised categories, such as family visits, educational activities or support for the Cuban people. The new memorandum reversed parts of the more open policy of the previous administration.

A short history of US to Cuba flights

Scheduled commercial flights between the US and Cuba resumed in 2016 after more than 50 years. JetBlue, American Airlines and United were among the carriers that started flying. United's Houston route was notable because it connected Cuban-American communities in Texas and elsewhere to the island without a connection in Florida. American Airlines continues to operate the largest US network to Cuba, though with fewer flights than before.

What it means for travellers

• Booking: customers with tickets on the cancelled flights were usually offered rebooking or a refund, so check the booking with the airline.
• Alternatives: American Airlines, other US airlines and charter operators still serve Cuba from Florida and some other cities. Search charter operators for options.
• Travel category: US travellers must still certify their reason for travel, whichever airline they use.

What it shows about route planning

Airlines review routes against demand, aircraft availability and regulation. A route that depends on a narrow group of travellers and on government policy is more exposed to change than a business route between two large cities. Rather than cancelling outright, United paused the route and kept its rights, which keeps its options open. You can browse airlines and travel services in the directory.

How travel to Cuba works for US citizens

Tourism is not allowed under US rules, but travel is permitted for twelve categories under general licences, including family visits, official government business, journalism, professional research, educational activities, religious activities and support for the Cuban people. Travellers must be able to show that their trip fits a category and should keep records of their activities. The rules are set by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Commerce Department, and they have changed with each administration, so check the current rules before booking.

How airlines keep route rights

US airlines need government authority to serve Cuba, granted under an arrangement that expires if a route is not used. A dormancy waiver pauses that clock. Without one, United could have lost the right to the Houston to Havana route, and getting it back would mean competing again for a limited number of slots. That is why a short pause with a waiver is common, as opposed to an outright cancellation.

Frequently asked questions

When did United stop flying to Havana?

The last flight operated on 1 September 2025 and the suspension began on 2 September.

Will United come back?

United said it intended to resume service no later than summer 2026, subject to conditions. Check the airline for confirmation.

Which airlines still fly from the US to Cuba?

American Airlines operates the biggest US network to Cuba, and several other carriers and charter operators fly from Florida.