American Airlines Seeks Waiver to Reduce Cuba Flights Amid Trump Ban

Key Takeaways

• American Airlines requests to reduce some Cuba flights for summer 2025 due to Trump’s June 9 travel ban.
• The ban restricts Cuban nationals without valid U.S. visas, sharply lowering flight demand.
• DOT decision pending; American Airlines seeks suspension of Miami–Santiago flights and reduction of Miami–Havana flights.

American Airlines Requests Cuba Flights Waiver as Trump Travel Ban Reshapes U.S.–Cuba Air Travel

American Airlines has formally asked the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to temporarily suspend or reduce several flights between the United States 🇺🇸 and Cuba 🇨🇺 for the rest of the summer 2025 season. This request comes after President Trump’s new travel ban took effect on June 9, 2025, which places strict limits on Cuban nationals entering the United States 🇺🇸. As of now, the DOT has not made a final decision on American Airlines’ request.

This development is important for travelers, airlines, and families with connections between the United States 🇺🇸 and Cuba 🇨🇺. The changes could affect thousands of people who depend on these flights for family visits, humanitarian reasons, or business. Here’s what you need to know about the situation, how it affects different groups, and what might happen next.

What’s Happening: The Key Facts

• American Airlines wants to suspend or reduce certain Cuba flights for summer 2025.
• The request is a direct response to President Trump’s new travel ban, which started on June 9, 2025.
• The DOT has not yet approved or denied the request.
• The travel ban does not stop flights to Cuba, but it makes it much harder for Cuban nationals to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
• Demand for flights is expected to drop sharply, which could make some routes unprofitable.

Details of the American Airlines Waiver Request

American Airlines is the largest U.S. carrier serving Cuba 🇨🇺, with over 9,000 flights to the island each year. The airline currently flies from Miami to six Cuban cities: Havana, Holguín, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba.

In its request to the DOT, American Airlines is asking for:

• Suspension of all Miami–Santiago de Cuba flights
• Reduction of Miami–Havana flights by up to three of eight daily roundtrips on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and by four of eight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Continuation of existing waivers for Camagüey, Holguín, Varadero, and Santa Clara routes

The airline describes its request as “narrowly tailored” and only for the rest of the summer 2025 season. American Airlines says this move is needed to “better align its capacity and services with market conditions” and to keep the option open to restore flights if demand returns.

Why Is This Happening? The Trump Travel Ban Explained

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14161, followed by a proclamation on June 4, 2025. These actions restrict or limit entry for nationals from 19 countries, including Cuba 🇨🇺. For Cuba, the restrictions are partial:

• Cuban citizens outside the United States 🇺🇸 who do not already have valid U.S. visas are affected.
• People with existing visas are not affected.
• New visa applications from Cuban nationals will be rejected unless the applicant qualifies for a narrow exemption.

President Trump has justified the travel ban by pointing to Cuba’s status as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” and high rates of visa overstays among Cuban nationals.

The travel ban does not directly ban flights to Cuba 🇨🇺. However, by making it much harder for Cuban nationals to enter the United States 🇺🇸, it sharply reduces the number of people who need these flights. This drop in demand is what’s driving American Airlines to ask for a waiver.

How the Waiver Process Works

American Airlines’ request follows a clear process:

1. Filing: The airline submits a formal request to the DOT to expand its existing waiver for certain Cuba routes.
2. DOT Review: The DOT reviews the request, looking at market conditions and the impact of the new travel restrictions.
3. Decision Pending: As of June 9, 2025, the DOT has not made a final decision.
4. Implementation: If the DOT approves the request, American Airlines will immediately suspend or reduce the specified flights for the rest of the summer season.

Impact on Stakeholders

For Airlines

The Trump travel ban creates big challenges for airlines flying between the United States 🇺🇸 and Cuba 🇨🇺. With fewer people able to travel, airlines may not be able to fill their planes. This can make some routes too expensive to keep running.

• American Airlines is the most exposed U.S. carrier, with over 9,000 annual flights to Cuba.
• JetBlue and Delta already canceled their Cuba routes in 2023 due to similar problems.
• If demand keeps falling, more airlines may reduce or stop their Cuba flights.

Aviation industry analysts say airlines are trying to “more efficiently deploy scarce aircraft” and that waivers like this give them flexibility to adjust quickly.

For Cuban Nationals

The new travel ban is a major barrier for Cuban nationals who want to come to the United States 🇺🇸. The rules mean:

• If you do not already have a valid U.S. visa, you cannot get a new one unless you qualify for a rare exemption.
• Family reunification, humanitarian visits, and tourism are all much harder.
• People in eastern Cuba, who rely on direct flights to Miami, are especially affected if those flights are suspended.

Cuban-American advocacy groups warn that these restrictions make family separation worse and limit humanitarian support.

For U.S. Travelers

While the travel ban targets Cuban nationals, it also affects Americans who want to travel to Cuba 🇨🇺 for legal reasons, such as family visits, educational trips, or humanitarian work.

• Fewer flights may mean higher prices and less flexibility for U.S. travelers.
• Some routes may be suspended entirely, making travel more difficult.

For the Cuban-American Community

Many Cuban-Americans in the United States 🇺🇸 depend on regular flights to visit family, send supplies, or help relatives in Cuba 🇨🇺. Even temporary flight suspensions add uncertainty and hardship, especially for those with urgent family or humanitarian needs.

Background: U.S.–Cuba Relations and Air Travel

The relationship between the United States 🇺🇸 and Cuba 🇨🇺 has changed a lot over the past decade:

• During President Obama’s time, travel and business restrictions were eased.
• President Trump reversed many of these changes during his first term.
• President Biden eased some restrictions, but President Trump’s return to office has brought back the travel ban and put Cuba back on the terrorism blacklist.

Airlines have had to adjust to these changing rules. JetBlue and Delta stopped flying to Cuba in 2023 because of low demand and uncertainty about the rules. Now, American Airlines faces similar problems.

What Does the Future Hold?

DOT Decision Expected Soon

The DOT is expected to make a decision on American Airlines’ waiver request soon. The outcome will shape the future of U.S.–Cuba air service for the rest of the summer 2025 season.

Policy Reviews and Possible Changes

Section 5 of President Trump’s proclamation says the Secretary of State must review and possibly adjust the restrictions every 90 and 180 days. This means the list of affected countries and the strictness of the rules could change in the coming months.

More Airline Exits Possible

If demand for Cuba flights keeps dropping, other airlines may also ask for waivers or stop flying to Cuba altogether.

Summary Table: American Airlines Cuba Service (Summer 2025)

Here’s a quick look at the current and proposed status of American Airlines’ Cuba routes:

What Should Travelers and Families Do?

If you are planning to travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Cuba 🇨🇺 this summer, here are some steps you can take:

• Check with American Airlines for the latest flight status and schedule changes. You can call their customer service at 1-800-433-7300 or visit their website.
• If you are a Cuban national without a valid U.S. visa, be aware that new visa applications will likely be denied unless you qualify for an exemption.
• If you have urgent family or humanitarian needs, consult with an immigration attorney or advocacy group for advice.
• Stay updated on official policy changes by checking the U.S. Department of State’s Cuba Travel page.

Multiple Perspectives: What Experts and Communities Are Saying

• Aviation Industry Analysts: Say airlines need flexibility to adjust to sudden drops in demand. The waiver helps American Airlines avoid flying empty planes and losing money.
• Immigration Policy Experts: Point out that the travel ban uses broad presidential powers and could face legal and humanitarian challenges.
• Cuban-American Advocacy Groups: Warn that the restrictions make it harder for families to stay connected and for people to get help in emergencies.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes could have long-term effects on the U.S.–Cuba aviation market and on families who depend on regular travel between the two countries.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For more information or help, you can contact:

• American Airlines Customer Service: 1-800-433-7300
• DOT Aviation Consumer Protection: 202-366-2220
• U.S. State Department Cuba Travel: travel.state.gov

Conclusion: What Comes Next?

American Airlines’ request for a Cuba flights waiver is a direct response to the Trump travel ban, which has sharply limited the ability of Cuban nationals to enter the United States 🇺🇸. The airline is trying to adjust its flights to match the new, lower demand, especially on the Miami–Havana and Miami–Santiago de Cuba routes.

The DOT’s decision is still pending, and the situation could change quickly. The outcome will affect Cuban-American families, humanitarian travel, and the future of U.S.–Cuba air service. Travelers and families should stay informed, check with airlines for updates, and watch for new policy announcements from the U.S. government.

As the summer 2025 season continues, all eyes are on the DOT’s upcoming decision and on how airlines, travelers, and families will adapt to these new challenges.

Learn Today

DOT → U.S. Department of Transportation, the federal agency regulating airline requests and waivers in the United States.
Travel Ban → A government restriction limiting entry of certain nationals; here, specifically affecting Cuban nationals entering the U.S.
Waiver → An official permission allowing temporary exemption from a rule or requirement, like flight suspensions.
Roundtrip → A flight itinerary including both departure and return journeys between two cities.
Exemption → A narrow exception allowing some Cuban nationals to obtain visas despite travel ban restrictions.

This Article in a Nutshell

American Airlines seeks to suspend or cut Cuba flights in summer 2025, responding to Trump’s new ban limiting Cuban nationals’ entry to the U.S., causing demand drops and operational challenges amid uncertain DOT approval.
— By VisaVerge.com