The Caribbean island of Cuba may soon welcome new direct flights from London Gatwick Airport, rekindling hopes for easier travel access after earlier plans were abandoned. This potential development comes after the start-up airline, Iron Travel, initially intended to launch flights between Manchester and Holguin, Cuba, as well as between Gatwick and Cayo Coco earlier this year. These plans were ultimately scrapped due to operational challenges, leaving British travelers without direct flight options to the island nation. However, Iron Travel has now reignited the prospect of a Gatwick-Holguin route, tentatively slated to commence in April 2025.
A significant hurdle remains the acquisition of necessary takeoff and landing slots at Gatwick. While currently unavailable, Iron Travel’s CEO, Ernesto Placer, expressed confidence that these slots will be secured by mid-January 2025, approximately three months prior to the projected launch date. This timeline aligns with standard procedures for allocating slots for charter flights. The proposed service is anticipated to be operated by Latin American Airways, utilizing aircraft leased from Legend Airlines. Ticket prices are expected to range from £275 for a one-way economy fare to £999 for a business class seat. The revised route from Gatwick to Holguin, and potentially Havana twice weekly, replaces the earlier proposed route to Cayo Coco.
This renewed effort to establish a direct UK-Cuba air link follows the recent cancellation of TUI’s direct Manchester-Cuba service, further limiting travel options for UK holidaymakers. Currently, reaching Cuba from the UK requires connecting flights through mainland Europe or Canada. The potential Holguin route offers access to the southeastern part of the island, home to the city of San Isidro de Holguin, known for its historical squares, museums, colonial architecture, and nearby natural attractions like Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park, where tourists can interact with dolphins.
Beyond Holguin, Cuba’s capital, Havana, presents another compelling destination for British travelers. The city boasts a vibrant mix of architectural styles, from colonial-era buildings to modern structures, and is famous for its vintage cars. Key attractions include the Malecon, a scenic seafront promenade, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, housing Cuba’s most comprehensive art collection. These diverse attractions, combined with the potential for direct flights, could significantly boost tourism to Cuba from the UK.
For UK citizens planning to travel to Cuba, essential entry requirements include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, a tourist card obtained before travel, and proof of onward or return travel arrangements. It’s also crucial to remember that direct travel from the USA to Cuba for tourism purposes remains restricted under US law. Therefore, UK travelers originating from or connecting through the US must ensure compliance with these regulations.
This renewed effort by Iron Travel could significantly reshape travel options to Cuba for UK residents. The potential direct flight from Gatwick to Holguin would eliminate the need for connecting flights, simplifying travel logistics and potentially reducing costs. This improved accessibility could open up the island nation to a wider range of British tourists, drawn by Cuba’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The successful implementation of this route hinges on securing the necessary landing slots at Gatwick, a process that is expected to conclude in early 2025.
