WILLEMSTAD — An Ilyushin Il-96-300 operated by Cuba’s national airline Cubana de Aviación was observed circling off the coast of Venezuela early Thursday, likely awaiting clearance to land in Caracas, before apparently turning back and heading to Cuba, according to flight tracking posts on social media.
The four-engined Il-96-300 is a rare long-haul wide-body aircraft still in service with Cubana, and one of the few of its type flying commercially today.
The jet reportedly spent several minutes holding over Venezuelan waters this morning, a pattern often used by aircraft awaiting air traffic control clearance or diplomatic authorization to land. After circling, the aircraft appeared to reverse course and head back toward Cuba, according to data shared on aviation tracking platforms.
There has been no official confirmation from Cubana or Venezuelan aviation authorities regarding the flight’s intended destination or the reason it was unable to land. It is unclear whether the aircraft’s turnback reflects airspace restrictions, diplomatic issues, or operational decisions by the airline.
The Il-96 has drawn attention in recent years as Cubana works to restore and maintain its long-haul fleet. After a period of maintenance overseas, one Il-96-300 completed a ferry flight back to Havana in late 2025 and has been listed as active with the airline.
Observers note that the aircraft has previously operated routes between Havana and destinations including Caracas, underscoring its role in regional services and long-haul connections.
Officials from Cubana and Venezuelan authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment on today’s flight. The unusual aviation activity highlights ongoing uncertainties in regional air travel and diplomatic coordination in the Caribbean and Latin America.
