THE largest island in the Caribbean could soon get brand-new flights from the UK just months after initial plans were scrapped.
London Gatwick Airport might benefit from a new flight to Cuba next year.
Earlier this year, start-up company Iron Travel hoped to launch flights between Manchester Airport to Holguin in Cuba, and London Gatwick Airport to Cayo Coco in Cuba.
While these routes were slated to operate from May, they never took to the skies because of operational reasons.
The service between London Gatwick to Holguin is back on the cards, with flights set to run from April, 2025.
According to Travel Gossip, London Gatwick Airport has no takeoff and landing slots for flights to Cuba at this present time.
However, the boss of Iron Travel, Ernesto Placer, said these slots would be granted in mid January.
He told Travel Gossip: “We’ve been informed that the slots have to be sorted out three months prior to the flights as these are charter flights. The slots in Havana and Holguin are processing.”
The service is slated to be operated by Latin American Airways, using an aircraft leased by Legend Airlines
Flights will start at £275 for a one-way economy fare, which will rise to £999 for business class seats.
When the route was scrapped earlier this year, Iron Travel Commercial Manager William Ruano said: “We agreed to push back the operation as it was too soon and we have decided to change the routes too.
“Now we are going for the historical one: London LGW to Holguin HOG – Havana HAV twice a week. All of this changing [will be] subject to confirmation this week.”
The news comes after tour operator TUI scrapped its direct service from Manchester to Cuba in April 2024.
As it stands, holidaymakers from the UK have no direct service to Cuba.
Brits will instead have to connect onto another flight in mainland Europe or Canada.
If the new route between London Gatwick and Holguin does go ahead, Brits will be landing on the southeast side of the island.
Officially known as San Isidro de Holguin, the city is packed with squares, museums and colonial buildings.
Other attractions include Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park where tourists can swim with dolphins.
Havana, the capital of Cuba, is another one of the country’s must-visit destinations thanks to its diverse architecture and classic cars.
Top attractions in Havana include the Malecón, the city’s seafront promenade, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses the largest art collection in Cuba.
Brit holidaymakers travelling from the UK must have at least six months left on their passport to enter Cuba.
Tourists will also need to obtain a tourist card before travelling, and must show proof of onward travel.
Holidaymakers are also not allowed to travel directly from the USA to Cuba for tourism under US law.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines
We’ve rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.
Ryanair
One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
EasyJet
One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
Jet2
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
TUI
One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
British Airways
One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
Virgin Atlantic
One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg
The Low-cost airline easyJet is launching a new route between London Gatwick and Rimini, with flights to start operating in April.
Meanwhile, Jet2 is poised to launch a new base at London Luton Airport.
2