Havana/Cuban-American Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, chairman of the Transportation and Maritime Safety Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives, sent a letter this Thursday to the CEOs of the main US airlines demanding the cessation of commercial flights to Cuba. The letter alleges that there are “serious national and public security concerns” regarding the Island.
The Republican warned that “commercial flights provide the Cuban dictatorship with currency that directly benefits the regime and its security apparatus, not the Cuban people.” He also stated that the Island’s Government represents an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to American security, citing in his letter the words with which President Donald Trump declared a “national emergency” over Cuba on January 29.
“Commercial flights provide the Cuban dictatorship with foreign currency that directly benefits the regime”
Regular commercial flights between the United States and Cuba resumed in 2016 during the thaw promoted by former Democratic president Barack Obama, the agreement established the figure of 20 daily to Havana and charters to 9 airports on the Island. These were partially suspended by Trump, between 2019 and 2020. In that period only landings were allowed in Havana, and private charters were left for medical matters. Biden restored them in 2022.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón published some photos on his Facebook profile showing the interior of a plane with very few passengers. In the comments, various followers denied the lack of motivation to travel to Cuba and argued that the image corresponded to an isolated flight, since, according to them, most flights to Cuba leave full. Some airline prices remain at $138, suggesting viability.
In his letter, Giménez argues that “continuing these operations risks legitimizing and financially supporting a government that represses its citizens, threatens regional stability, and acts in direct opposition to the security interests of the United States.”
