Looks like we are getting more competition this winter travel season. Flair airlines has received approval to offer flights to Cuba.

It sure is depressing not having any direct flights to Cuba from Canada. I typically have avoided Cuba in the past from May through September aside from a handful of trips. But I do like having the option to go.

I know, Simon, it's unnervingly cruel. All we have left is just talking about our earlier escapades and sharing photos to help keep the dream of Cuba alive. But hey! If you've been reading the headlines about Cuba recently and especially about the US government delegation that landed in Havana back on April 10th, apparently the Cuban government has been given a 2 week window of opportunity from that date in order to comply with the US administration's concerns. They need to make a deal very soon or it could get messy. That message was delivered face to face to the higher ups within the Cuban government as a fair warning. So who knows! Perhaps things could change drastically and very quickly with everything associated with flights to Cuba out of Canada if the Cuban government takes the avenue of least resistance, and essentially, bends over soon. They need to cut a deal on a number of issues to help save their skins. Terry

You are unfortunately not wrong, and it has been a real gut punch for anyone who loves Havana specifically. The situation with Canadian airlines pulling back from José Martí International has left a lot of loyal Cuba travelers scrambling, and Havana is simply not replaceable by any other Cuban destination — not Cayo Guillermo, not Varadero, not anywhere else on the island.

You hit the nail on the head about Cayo Guillermo. It's a perfectly pleasant beach resort destination, but it offers virtually none of what makes Cuba special to those of us who love Havana — the architecture, the music spilling out of every doorway, the Malecón at sunset, the vintage cars winding through Centro Habana, the food scene that has genuinely evolved in recent years. A beach is a beach. Havana is Havana.

For those desperate to get there this winter, there are workarounds worth considering. Routing through Mexico City or Cancún with Aeromexico or Interjet connections, or flying through Madrid with Iberia, can get you into Havana — but the added cost and travel time takes a real bite out of a short trip. Some travelers are also looking at charter options, which occasionally pop up through tour operators even when scheduled service is down.

The bigger worry is how long this lasts. If Canadian carriers stay out for a full winter season, some of the smaller paladares and guesthouses in Havana that depend heavily on Canadian visitors could really struggle.

The Canadian airlines are scheduled to resume Cuba flights at the end of October. But yes, there are options for those wanting to return sooner. Travelling through Panama with Copa is another option. InterJet? I flew with them about 10 years ago from Merida to Havana. They went out of business several years ago. I heard rumour about them being revived a couple of years ago. Nothing yet as far as I know. VivaAerobus does fly direct to Cuba from Merida and Cancun.

For us it is just not worth it to fly to Cuba from another country other than Canada direct. Out of Miami it seems simple but we will not step foot in the usa with the current government they have. If there is no solution to the fuel problem in Cuba, I do not see how things can get better. Hoping for a better future! We will eagerly return to Cuba next winter with the right conditions.

Wise words from awiseman7549.
Yes, the longer this goes on the more Cubans (especially with ties to the tourism sector) will suffer. If I have the will and need, I will look into flying to Cuba from Canada via another country next winter. Still I wonder what Flair airlines will have to offer.

Perhaps this would be of help. Terry

Alternative Routes for Canadian Travellers Visiting Cuba This Summer:
Via Miami (American Airlines) to Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.
Via Miami (Delta Airlines) to Havana.
Via Panama City (Copa Airlines) to Havana.
Via Mexico City (Aeroméxico & Viva Aerobus) to Havana.
Via Cancun (Viva Aerobus) to Havana and Camagüey.
Via Monterrey (Viva Aerobus) to Havana.
Via Mérida (Viva Aerobus) to Havana.
Via Nassau (Bahamasair) to Havana.
IMPORTANT
• Apply for your eVisa at evisacuba.cu at least 72 hours before your flight.
• Complete the D’Viajeros entry form before travelling.

Thanks for that list Terry. I have been looking at some of these flights. I still feel ripped off from my Havana trip being shortened. The power outages, water issues and the intense heat are reasons I will probably stay away until winter time.

No hay problema, Simon. I actually borrowed that info from a post on the new FB Cuba TA Members site. But I hear ya! We're now going to be entering that "hotter than a witch's teta" weather there in Cuba soon. I won't be back until the end of the year - well, if I can get there out of Toronto direct that is. Yudith might come back to Canada for a visit again at the end of October when those direct flights are supposed to resume again - we can fly back to Cuba together for our usual New Years Eve fiesta. Her PR application has now been submitted to Immigration Canada. Just waiting on the government to let us know when Yudith and Delenys too will have to visit the Canadian Embassy in Havana for their biometrics and medical tests. Can't book anything for anyone until all of that has been accomplished first. Terry