# Turkish Airlines resumption of Cuba flight services

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-airlines-resumption-of-cuba-flight-services
> Updated: 2026-08-19T14:17:22.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Turkish Airlines has confirmed it will resume flights to Cuba starting October 25, 2026. The service will operate three times per week using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, connecting Istanbul to Havana. The new route will also facilitate travel from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Havana via a technical stop in Istanbul, eliminating the previous requirement for passengers to transfer planes in Panama.

The resumption follows a suspension of operations in March 2026, which the airline attributed to a fuel shortage crisis in Cuba and declining passenger demand. This move is seen as a strategic effort to target the Russian market, which has become increasingly vital for Cuban tourism following the loss of other traditional markets. The airline joins Air Europa as one of the few European carriers providing service to the island.

Despite the return of service, Cuba continues to face severe logistical challenges, including shortages of electricity, water, food, medicine, and kerosene. These fuel shortages have been linked to difficulties in oil supplies from Venezuela, which have been exacerbated by United States export restrictions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Cuba via Istanbul

Turkish Airlines will resume flights to Cuba on October 25, 2026, connecting Istanbul and Havana, and offering routes from Moscow via Istanbul, despite ongoing fuel shortages in the country.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-airlines-to-resume-flights-to-cuba-via-istanbul-1

### 2026-08-14: Turkish Airlines to resume Cuba flights via new Moscow-Istanbul route

Turkish Airlines will resume flights to Cuba on October 25, 2026, introducing a new Moscow-Istanbul-Havana route to serve Russian tourists.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-airlines-to-resume-cuba-flights-via-new-moscow-istanbul-route

### 2026-08-12: Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Cuba via Istanbul

Turkish Airlines is resuming flights to Cuba starting October 27, offering routes from Moscow to Havana with a stopover in Istanbul.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-airlines-to-resume-flights-to-cuba-via-istanbul

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Cite as: Turkish Airlines resumption of Cuba flight services. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-airlines-resumption-of-cuba-flight-services