Nonstop MSP to Cuba service ends before it starts

Sun Country is ditching its plan to offer flights between the Twin Cities and Cuba starting in December.

The Eagan-based airline had permission to provide weekly nonstops to two destinations on the island, Santa Clara and Matanzas.

But last week the carrier told the U.S. Department of Transportation it is giving up the authorization it had received to serve Cuba.

"Regrettably, the market demand remains uncertain and there is still a lack of clarity surrounding travel restrictions," Sun Country general counsel Eric Levenhagen wrote. "Therefore Sun Country does not desire to retain the granted frequency allocations for Saturday-only Minneapolis/St. Paul to Matanzas and Sunday-only Minneapolis/St. Paul to Santa Clara."

This week, the White House announced tight new restrictions on Americans travelling to Cuba. Most individual visits won't be permitted. And Americans are prohibited from doing business with dozens of hotels, shops and tour companies linked to Cuba's military, intelligence or security services.

Other airlines have reduced or eliminated Cuba flights, even before the Trump administration acted.

Delta Airlines and American Airlines offer one-stop service to Cuba from the Twin Cities.