Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis due to U.S. sanctions that have impacted airline operations and tourism, particularly affecting flights from Mexico to Havana.
Cuba is currently experiencing its most acute energy crisis in recent years, a situation exacerbated by the blockade imposed by the United States, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump. This blockade has significantly reduced the availability of fuel necessary for flight operations, leaving airlines with limited capacity to maintain their schedules. As a result, tourism to Cuba, especially to its capital, Havana, faces a grim outlook, creating uncertainty for travelers with pre-existing flight bookings.
In Mexico, the primary airlines providing service to Cuba are Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobus, which connect various Mexican cities to Havana. Data from the Federal Agency of Civil Aviation (AFAC) indicates that travel between Mexico and Cuba saw a 5.2% increase last year, translating to approximately 271,000 passengers moving between the two countries. This increasing trend highlights the significance of the Mexico-Cuba travel corridor despite the challenges posed by the ongoing energy crisis.
Viva Aerobus is currently the leading airline in terms of passenger volume from Mexico to Cuba, capturing 63% of the air market share between the two nations by the end of 2025 according to official statistics. Aeroméxico holds a 37% share, making it the second-largest operator in this route. As the situation unfolds, the operational capabilities and plans of these airlines may shift, potentially affecting travelers planning to visit Cuba in the near future.
