Beginning June 29, Italian airline Neos Air will initiate a direct flight route connecting Rome with Holguín province, Cuba, as announced by the Cuban Ministry of Tourism via the specialized magazine Sol de Cuba.
These flights will be available every Tuesday, introducing a direct link from Europe to eastern Cuba, which previously required a layover.
Discovering Cuba with Ease
The airline's statement highlights this new service as an opportunity to explore "heavenly beaches, authentic culture, and the warmth of Cuba with a convenient connection from Italy."
According to checks by CiberCuba on the airline's booking system, flights between Rome Fiumicino and Holguín are scheduled to start in late June with a weekly frequency and initial prices set at 408 euros.
Struggles Amidst Tourism Decline
This announcement comes during a particularly challenging period for Cuban tourism. The island received just 1.81 million international visitors in 2025, marking a two-decade low, and arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 dropped by 48% compared to the previous year.
Compounding the issue, a Jet A-1 fuel crisis from February 2026 led to the suspension of flights to Cuba by eleven airlines, including Air Canada, Air Transat, LATAM, Turkish Airlines, and Iberia.
Neos Air's Strategic Move
In this challenging context, Neos Air's establishment of flights to Holguín is seen as a countertrend for a destination that saw its European flights suspended in late March 2026.
Founded in 2001 and a subsidiary of the Italian tourism group Alpitour, Neos Air operates flights to over 73 domestic, European, and intercontinental destinations and is the only Italian airline using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
A Longstanding Relationship with Cuba
The airline has a long history with Cuba, having operated routes from Milan to Havana and Holguín prior to the pandemic. In June 2022, Neos Air introduced the direct Rome-Havana flight using the Dreamliner, a plane they've named "City of Havana."
Holguín ranks as Cuba's second-largest tourist hub after Varadero, offering attractions like Guardalavaca, the Chorro de Maíta—home to the largest indigenous cemetery in the Antilles—the UNESCO World Heritage Site Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, and Nipe Bay, where the image of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre was discovered in the 17th century.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Cuban Ministry of Tourism emphasized that this new route will "enhance the arrival of travelers eager to experience Cuban culture and hospitality, positively impacting the local economy and diversifying market reach."
Italy has historically been a significant European market for Cuban tourism, although it saw a 15.9% decline in visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year. This new route represents the airline's commitment to revitalizing travel to Cuba's eastern region.
FAQs about Neos Air's New Rome-Holguín Route
When will Neos Air begin its direct flights from Rome to Holguín?
Neos Air will start its direct flights from Rome to Holguín on June 29.
How often will the flights between Rome and Holguín operate?
The flights will operate once a week, every Tuesday.
What is the starting price for the Rome-Holguín flights?
Initial ticket prices for the Rome-Holguín flights are set at 408 euros.