Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Cuba via Istanbul

Turkish Airlines is set to resume flights to Cuba starting October 25, 2026, following a six-month suspension caused by fuel shortages at Cuban airports. The airline will operate flights three times per week using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, connecting Istanbul to Havana.

The service will also facilitate travel from Moscow to Havana via Istanbul, utilizing Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. This reconnection is considered significant for the Cuban tourism sector, as the Russian market has become increasingly vital for the island following the loss of other traditional markets.

Despite the resumption, Cuba continues to face severe logistical challenges, including shortages of kerosene, electricity, water, food, and medicine. These fuel shortages have been linked to difficulties in oil supplies from Venezuela, exacerbated by United States export restrictions. Turkish Airlines joins Air Europa as one of the few European carriers currently providing direct or connected service to Havana.