American Airlines must now defend itself in a U.S. federal court after a major legal decision on July 30, 2025. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a lawsuit over the use of José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba, can move forward. This case centers on claims that American Airlines unlawfully benefited from property confiscated during the Cuban Revolution.
The lawsuit was filed by José Ramón López Regueiro, a Cuban-American whose family owned José Martí International Airport before the Cuban government seized it in 1959. Regueiro argues that American Airlines, by operating flights to and from the airport, has “trafficked” in property that was taken from his family without compensation. The court’s decision to let the case proceed marks a turning point for similar claims under the Helms-Burton Act, a U.S. law that allows Americans to sue companies for using property confiscated by the Cuban government.

Key Details of the Case
- Who: José Ramón López Regueiro (plaintiff) vs. American Airlines (defendant)
- What: Lawsuit over alleged unlawful use of José Martí International Airport
- When: Lawsuit allowed to proceed as of July 30, 2025
- Where: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- Why: Regueiro claims American Airlines benefited from property taken from his family
- How: Lawsuit moves forward under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act
The Helms-Burton Act, also known as the Libertad Act of 1996, is at the heart of this case. Title III of the law lets U.S. nationals sue anyone who “traffics” in property confiscated by the Cuban government after January 1, 1959. “Trafficking” means using, selling, or benefiting from property that was taken without paying the original owners. The law aims to help families whose property was seized during the Cuban Revolution.
Regueiro became a U.S. citizen in 2015 and filed his lawsuit in 2021. He argues that the law only requires him to be a U.S. citizen when he files the lawsuit, not when he inherited the claim or when the property was taken. The district court first dismissed the case, saying Regueiro was not a U.S. national at the time of inheritance and that the property was taken from a Cuban, not an American. However, the appeals court disagreed, finding that Regueiro’s complaint met the requirements of the Helms-Burton Act.
Legal Arguments and Court Proceedings
Regueiro’s attorneys, from Rivero Mestre LLP, argued that the law’s wording only requires U.S. citizenship at the time of filing. The appellate court focused on the phrase “such national” in the law and whether Congress meant for citizenship to be required at the time of inheritance. Judge Elizabeth Branch played a key role during oral arguments, questioning both sides on the law’s meaning.
The Eleventh Circuit’s decision means the case will now continue in the district court. The next steps include discovery, where both sides gather evidence, and further motions. If the case is not settled or dismissed on other grounds, it could go to trial.
What’s at Stake for American Airlines and Others
If Regueiro wins, American Airlines could face large damages. The Helms-Burton Act allows for “treble damages,” which means the court could order the company to pay three times the value of the property if it is found to have trafficked in the property after receiving notice. This could also affect other airlines and companies that do business in Cuba using property seized during the revolution.
Legal experts say this case could open the door for more lawsuits under the Helms-Burton Act. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the decision clarifies how courts may interpret the law’s requirements, making it easier for other Cuban-American heirs to bring similar claims. Some critics argue that these lawsuits make it harder for companies to do business in Cuba and could hurt U.S.-Cuba relations. Supporters say the law gives families a way to seek justice for property taken without payment.
Background: The History of José Martí International Airport
José Martí International Airport is the main airport in Havana, Cuba. Before 1959, it belonged to Regueiro’s father, José López Vilaboy. The Cuban government seized the airport during the revolution, along with many other properties owned by Cuban families. The Helms-Burton Act was passed decades later to help those families get compensation or regain their property.
Regueiro’s case is one of the first to test how far the Helms-Burton Act can reach. The law was not enforced for many years, but in 2019, the U.S. government allowed lawsuits to move forward. This has led to a wave of new cases against companies doing business in Cuba.
Implications for Immigrants, Businesses, and U.S.-Cuba Relations
This lawsuit matters for several groups:
- Cuban-American families: Many lost property during the revolution and have waited years for a way to seek justice.
- U.S. companies: Businesses like American Airlines that operate in Cuba could face lawsuits if they use or benefit from confiscated property.
- Immigrants: The case shows how changes in citizenship can affect legal rights. Regueiro’s ability to sue depended on becoming a U.S. citizen.
- U.S.-Cuba relations: Lawsuits under the Helms-Burton Act can make it harder for the two countries to work together on travel, trade, and other issues.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit will now move forward in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Both sides will collect evidence and may file more motions. The court could decide the case without a trial, or it could go before a jury. There is also a chance the parties could settle before reaching trial.
If you want to follow the case, you can check the official Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals website for updates. For those interested in the Helms-Burton Act, the U.S. Department of State provides more information about the law and its requirements.
Summary Table: Key Facts
Item | Details |
---|---|
Plaintiff | José Ramón López Regueiro |
Defendant | American Airlines |
Property at Issue | José Martí International Airport, Havana, Cuba |
Law Invoked | Helms-Burton Act (Title III), 22 U.S.C. § 6082 |
Appellate Decision Date | July 30, 2025 |
Current Status | Lawsuit proceeds in federal district court |
Potential Damages | Treble damages possible if trafficking proven after notice |
Next Steps | Pretrial litigation, discovery, possible trial or settlement |
Practical Guidance
If you are a Cuban-American with a similar claim, you should:
- Check if you meet the citizenship and property requirements under the Helms-Burton Act.
- Gather documents showing your family’s ownership and the property’s confiscation.
- Contact a lawyer with experience in Helms-Burton cases.
- Monitor court dockets for updates on similar lawsuits.
This case could shape the future for many families and businesses connected to Cuba. As the legal process continues, all eyes remain on the outcome and its wider impact.
Learn Today
Helms-Burton Act → A 1996 U.S. law allowing citizens to sue companies trafficking in confiscated Cuban property after 1959.
Title III → Section of the Helms-Burton Act that permits lawsuits for trafficking confiscated Cuban assets.
José Martí International Airport → Main airport in Havana, Cuba, confiscated by the Cuban government during the 1959 revolution.
Trafficking → Using, selling, or benefiting from confiscated property without compensating the original owners.
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals → Federal appellate court that allowed the lawsuit against American Airlines to proceed in 2025.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Eleventh Circuit ruled on July 30, 2025, that American Airlines must defend a lawsuit over using property seized in Cuba’s revolution. This lawsuit claims the carrier trafficked in José Martí Airport, owned pre-revolution by a Cuban-American family. The case could redefine legal risks for companies operating in Cuba.
— By VisaVerge.com