Turkish Airlines (THY) has decided to suspend its flights to the country for two months due to the fuel crisis in Cuba and declining passenger demand. The last flight will be operated on 29 March.
Under the decision, THY’s final flight to Cuba will take place on 29 March. The airline will not operate flights to Cuba in April and May.
Fuel crisis affects aviation
The fuel crisis in Cuba has begun to seriously affect the operations of international airlines. Due to declining petroleum stocks in the country, the supply of jet fuel to foreign airlines at airports had been temporarily suspended.
Due to problems in refuelling, some airlines resorted to carrying return fuel with them or making technical stops in neighbouring countries to refuel. However, rising operational costs and declining tourist demand have forced many companies to reconsider their flight plans.
European airlines also reducing frequency
Some European and North American airlines operating flights to Cuba have also reduced flight frequencies or temporarily suspended services for similar reasons.
Behind THY’s decision are not only the fuel crisis but also declining passenger demand and increasing operational costs. It was stated that the company will decide in the coming period whether flights will be resumed depending on developments.
Tourism sector in difficulty
The cancellation of flights in May, which is one of the busiest periods for tourist traffic from Türkiye to Cuba, has also put tour operators and travel agencies in a difficult position.
Industry representatives state that the suspension of flights could negatively affect both tour programmes departing from Türkiye and Cuba’s tourism revenues.
https://www.airportgundem.com/turk-hava-yollari-kuba-ucuslarini-gecici-olarak-durdurdu/
