A spokesperson for the airline told TTG impacted customers will be contacted to inform them of the cancellations and their options, including a travel voucher or a full refund for their cancelled flight or package holiday.

Those who booked via a third party, such as a travel agent, have been advised to contact them directly to discuss their options. Heathrow had planned to operate the route from Heathrow. Pre-pandemic, Virgin flew to Havana from Gatwick.

"As we emerge from the pandemic we’ve had to make careful decisions about our network, with regular review of flying and holiday schedules," the spokesperson added.

"We’re disappointed to confirm that due to the unique complexities of Cuban operations, we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw plans to start London Heathrow-Havana services. We sincerely apologise for disrupting customers’ plans to visit this vibrant and much-loved leisure destination.

"In recent years Virgin Atlantic operated the UK’s only direct scheduled flights to Havana, working closely with valued partners in Cuba. We will keep options under review to return to this unique part of the Caribbean in the future."