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Cubana de Aviación

Cuba's national airline, now flying a small network

  • CubaCountry
  • CUIATA Code
  • CUBICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Cubana de Aviación

Cubana de Aviación is Cuba’s national airline, flying from Havana to a few Cuban cities and a small number of international destinations. Its fleet has shrunk to a handful of aircraft, so many flights use planes leased from other airlines. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Havana, travelling in Cuba in 2026 and how it compares with Air Europa and Copa.

Founded in 1929, it is one of the oldest airlines in Latin America. By 2025 it had only two of its own aircraft in service, and it uses leased aircraft for long-haul flights.

Cubana de Aviación flights to Havana
Photo: JF Martin / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Cubana de Aviación

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026:

  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Power banks cannot be charged on board, and you cannot use them to charge phones or other devices during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.

Check-In at Havana

Arrive at least three hours before international flights at José Martí Airport, as queues can be long. Confirm your flight time the day before, as schedules change often.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Travelling in Cuba in 2026

Plan carefully before you go:

  • Fuel shortages have caused flight cuts and power cuts across the island.
  • Many visitors need a tourist card and must fill in Cuba’s online entry form.
  • Carry cash, as foreign cards often don’t work.

How to Find Cheap Cubana de Aviación Flights

Cheap Cubana de Aviación flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare other airlines to Havana, which may be more reliable.
  • Book flexible tickets in case of schedule changes.
  • Confirm your flight a day before you travel.
  • Check entry rules before you book.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Air Europa, Copa Airlines and others.

Cubana de Aviación vs Air Europa vs Copa Airlines

Three airlines flying to Havana.

CubanaAir EuropaCopa Airlines
HubHavanaMadridPanama City
FleetSmall, partly leasedBoeing 787Boeing 737
ReliabilityFrequent changesGoodGood
AllianceNoneSkyTeamStar Alliance

See our Air Europa guide and Copa Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Havana

José Martí International Airport is about 15 km from central Havana. Official taxis are the easiest way into the city, and fares should be agreed before you set off.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Cubana de Aviación a Good Airline?

Only if its schedule suits you. Its network is now very small and flights change often, so most travellers find other airlines more reliable.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Directorio Cubano on domestic baggage, CubaNet on the fleet and Directorio Cubano on airlines flying to Cuba. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It relies on aircraft leased from other airlines for many international flights.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Havana José Martí International (HAV) is the hub for all flights.

Popular Cubana de Aviación Routes

Cubana flies a small domestic network from Havana, including Santiago de Cuba and Holguín, plus a few international flights. Schedules change often, so check your flight close to departure. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Cubana de Aviación Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Tickets are sold through the airline's sales offices, its website and travel agents, with rules shown on the ticket.

Because schedules change often, check your flight a few days before you travel.

  • Changes Depend on the ticket.
  • Schedule changes Common, so check before you travel.
  • How to change or cancel Contact a sales office or your agent.

Cubana de Aviación Seat Selection & Additional Services

Services on board are simple, with drinks and snacks on most flights.

Cuba has suffered fuel shortages in 2026, which have affected flights to and within the island.

  • On board Drinks and snacks.
  • Fuel shortages Have affected flights in 2026.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

Cubana de Aviación Baggage Allowance

On domestic flights, each passenger can bring one carry-on of up to 5 kg (115 cm in total) and check one bag of up to 23 kg (158 cm).

Extra weight up to 30 kg is charged per kilo, and larger items travel as cargo. International allowances are shown on your ticket.

  • Carry-on 5 kg, 115 cm in total.
  • Checked bag (domestic) 1 × 23 kg.
  • Excess Charged per kilo up to 30 kg.
  • Over 30 kg Cargo only.

Cubana de Aviación Loyalty Programme

The airline does not currently run an active frequent flyer programme.

  • Programme None active.
Join or log in on the Cubana de Aviación website

Cubana de Aviación: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Cubana de Aviación’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is CU. It appears in flight numbers (for example CU 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is CUB, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Where is Cubana de Aviación headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Havana, Cuba.

03When was Cubana de Aviación founded?

The airline was founded in 1929.

04What are Cubana de Aviación’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Havana (HAV) – Main Hub.

05Is Cubana still flying?

Yes, but with a small fleet, a limited network and frequent schedule changes.

06What is the Cubana baggage allowance on domestic flights?

One 5 kg carry-on and one 23 kg checked bag.

07Can US travellers fly Cubana?

US rules limit travel to Cuba, so check the latest US regulations before you book.

08Which other airlines fly to Cuba?

Airlines such as Air Europa, Iberia and Copa serve Havana, though fuel shortages have caused cuts.

09Can I use a power bank on Cubana?

On Cubana you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

10What is Cubana de Aviación's carry-on baggage allowance?

On Cubana de Aviación's domestic flights, each passenger can bring one carry-on of up to 5 kg (115 cm in total) and check one bag of up to 23 kg (158 cm).

11Can I change or cancel a Cubana de Aviación flight?

Tickets are sold through Cubana de Aviación's sales offices, its website and travel agents, with rules shown on the ticket. Because schedules change often, check your flight a few days before you travel.

12Is Cubana de Aviación in an airline alliance?

No. Cubana de Aviación is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Cubana de Aviación, its logo and trademarks are the property of Cubana de Aviación S.A. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cubana de Aviación unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.