TUI has halted sales to Cuba as part of an extensive review of its long-haul program. Additionally, there are considerations to discontinue Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, leading to the suspension of holiday sales for the upcoming summer.
The direct flights from Manchester to Varadero, the sole UK-Cuba option, will cease at the end of April 2024 and will not resume next winter. TUI sent a message to customers affected by the canceled Cuba flights, expressing regret and apologizing for the inconvenience.
Concerns among TUI customers have surfaced on social media, prompted by rumors about the cancellations of both the Cuba and Puerto Vallarta flights. In response to inquiries, TUI clarified that these destinations have been removed from sale for summer 2024 due to a program review.
TUI assured customers that it is actively working on finding suitable alternative long-haul destinations at no extra cost. The company pledged to reach out to affected customers to discuss available options. TUI emphasized its ongoing efforts to address booking-specific queries and urged patience during this process.
According to TUI’s statement to Travel Gossip, the decision to discontinue flights to Cuba for Summer 2024 resulted from a routine review of their flying program. Affected customers will be contacted directly and offered a fee-free change to another long-haul destination, accompanied by a 10% rebooking incentive, or a full refund.
As for Puerto Vallarta, TUI has not confirmed its plans. Simply Cuba, a specialist in Cuban travel, noted that the cancellation of TUI’s Manchester flight would impact other operators selling trips to the Caribbean island, given the absence of alternative direct flights from the UK. Alan Meadows from Simply Cuba acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about retaining the majority of bookings by exploring options involving indirect flights.
