United’s Cuba Exit Leaves Florida as Sole Gateway for U.S. Travelers

United Airlines will end its only direct flight from Houston to Havana on September 2, 2025, after nearly a decade of service. This decision comes straight from company filings and official U.S. transportation records.

The route was the last nonstop link to Cuba from any U.S. city outside Florida. United cites two facts: far fewer travelers book flights outside peak seasons, and new U.S. government rules make it even harder for Americans to visit Cuba.

Since 2016, United has tried to keep the route going, but strict travel restrictions, complicated paperwork, and blocked tourist travel have cut demand so deeply that the flights are no longer profitable.

The U.S. government only allows twelve categories for Cuba travel—like family visits or humanitarian work—making spontaneous or tourist travel nearly impossible.

American Airlines now controls 68.4% of U.S.–Cuba air seat capacity, mostly from Florida, according to Department of Transportation data. Delta and Southwest run a handful of flights from Miami and Tampa.

United, with just 7% of the market, found its Cuba route could not survive. After the Houston route ends, United will only fly a weekly charter between Jacksonville and Guantanamo Bay for official use.

For people outside Florida, this means much higher hurdles and costs to see family, run legal business, or bring aid to Cuba. With fewer flights and tighter government control, the window between the U.S. and Cuba narrows even more.

United’s departure highlights how fast travel rights and business chances can vanish when government policies shift. All figures and facts come from U.S. federal records and the airline’s public filings.

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