Canadian airline WestJet is set to restart its direct flights to the city of Cienfuegos beginning December 10, 2025.
As reported by the state-run news outlet Cubadebate, the airline described this move as an effort to "strengthen tourism ties between Canada and the Caribbean" and to expand winter destination options for Canadian travelers.
The announcement was confirmed by Gihana Galindo Enríquez, the newly appointed director of the Cuban Tourism Office in Toronto. She highlighted that this resumption is part of a broader strategy by WestJet to enhance air connectivity between Canada and various Caribbean and Latin American destinations.
According to the specialized portal Excelencias Cuba, this decision aligns with WestJet's winter 2025-2026 program unveiled in July, which includes 305 operational routes covering 62 destinations—a 3% increase from the previous season.
WestJet aims to solidify its position as the leading choice for travelers seeking warmer climates during the northern hemisphere's winter months.
Expanding Travel Options for Canadian Tourists
Highlighted routes include the Toronto–Havana flights, operating twice weekly until April 23, 2026. Additionally, there will be an increase in flights to Varadero, Cancun, and Samaná, all traditional hotspots for Canadian tourists in the Caribbean.
The schedule also introduces new connections to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, broadening the selection for northern travelers looking for sun and beaches during the colder months.
John Weatherill, WestJet's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized that this expansion reflects the airline's commitment to its customers and the goal of "becoming the top choice for winter travelers."
Tickets for this schedule have been available since July 14, 2025, allowing for early travel planning to these new destinations.
Challenges and Opportunities for Cuban Tourism
In Cuba, WestJet's return to Cienfuegos, known as “the Pearl of the South,” presents an opportunity to revitalize tourism in a region often overlooked by international airlines, especially after the sector's downturn due to the pandemic and the country's economic collapse.
However, experts caution that the success of these routes will depend heavily on local infrastructure, which is currently hampered by fuel shortages, service deterioration, and logistical limitations faced by the island.
While the Cuban government celebrates this development as a sign of tourism recovery, independent operators caution that air connectivity alone won't suffice to attract visitors unless there is an improvement in hotel services, energy stability, and food security in tourist hubs.
Airline Industry Challenges in Cuba and Beyond
As airlines like WestJet move forward with expansion plans to Cuban destinations, other companies have made contrasting decisions, highlighting the uncertain context of air travel in the region.
Delta Air Lines recently announced it would suspend its regular flights to Cuba, further limiting connectivity with the United States and underscoring the operational challenges airlines face on the island.
Similarly, United Airlines halted its Houston-Havana route citing economic performance issues and a sustained drop in demand for flights to Cuba from certain North American locations.
This trend is not confined to U.S. airlines. Venezuelan carrier Conviasa also suspended its Caracas-Moscow route, highlighting the logistical tensions faced by airlines amid an increasingly volatile international context, directly impacting itinerary redesigns in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions about WestJet's Flight Resumption
When will WestJet resume flights to Cienfuegos?
WestJet is set to resume its flights to Cienfuegos on December 10, 2025.
What is the significance of WestJet's return to Cienfuegos?
WestJet's return to Cienfuegos is seen as an opportunity to boost tourism in a region that has been largely neglected by international airlines, especially following the pandemic and economic downturn.
What challenges does WestJet face in resuming flights to Cuba?
The success of WestJet's routes to Cuba will depend on overcoming local infrastructure challenges, including fuel shortages, service deterioration, and logistical limitations.