Amidst the ongoing crisis where countless Cubans remain trapped on the island with limited options to emigrate or reunite with family members abroad, Russian airlines have launched a special operation to airlift approximately 4,000 Russian tourists from Cuba before halting all flight operations with the island nation.
Rossiya Airlines, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, alongside Nordwind Airlines, have initiated a series of special flights this week. These flights are intended to ensure the safe return of Russian citizens currently in locations such as Varadero and Havana. The move comes ahead of the complete suspension of air routes starting February 24, as reported by Aviacionline.
The Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) has indicated that there are currently around 4,000 Russian tourists visiting Cuba. Rossiya has scheduled six evacuation flights: five departing from Varadero to Moscow on February 12, 14, 17, 19, and 21, and one from Havana on February 16. Nordwind has also activated special operations to transport passengers from Varadero to Moscow, according to the specialized media outlet.
Notably, both Russian and Belarusian media outlets have emphasized a crucial aspect of these operations: the flights are organized exclusively for foreign passengers, explicitly excluding Cuban citizens from boarding.
The independent Belarusian media Nasha Niva, referencing the Belarusian Embassy in Havana, reported that the Rossiya evacuation flights are designated for passengers "excluding Cuban citizens." Oreanda News further clarified that these flights are intended for individuals currently in Cuba, "except for citizens of the Republic."
Despite the pressing needs or potential travel opportunities for Cubans, they will not be permitted to board these planes as thousands of tourists are repatriated within days.
This operation unfolds in a challenging context for Cuba. The airlines have confirmed that all regular flights between Russia and Cuba will be suspended starting February 24. Oreanda News attributes this decision to difficulties in refueling aircraft within Cuban territory.
Nasha Niva highlights Cuba's ongoing energy issues, exacerbated by sanctions threats from former President Donald Trump, leading to complications with oil supplies and impacting air transport. By late January, reports indicated that Cuba's fuel reserves were only sufficient for two to three weeks.
This suspension of flights coincides with a downturn in Russian tourism. As per ATOR data cited by Aviacionline, 131,900 Russian tourists visited Cuba in 2025, marking a 29% drop compared to 2024, alongside a 50% decrease in flight frequencies. Ten-day package tours to destinations such as Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Holguín were priced between $2,000 and $2,500.
Implications of Russian Tourist Evacuation from Cuba
Why are Russian airlines evacuating tourists from Cuba?
Russian airlines are evacuating tourists due to the impending suspension of all regular flights between Russia and Cuba starting February 24, primarily due to challenges in refueling planes in Cuba.
Are Cuban citizens allowed to board the evacuation flights?
No, the evacuation flights are exclusively for foreign passengers, explicitly excluding Cuban citizens, despite the urgent needs or opportunities they might have to travel.
What is the current state of Russian tourism in Cuba?
Russian tourism to Cuba has declined, with 131,900 Russian tourists visiting in 2025, a 29% decrease from 2024, alongside a 50% reduction in flight frequencies.