US delivers first humanitarian flight to Cuba, first phase of $100 million aid package

Herz — World Desk · 22 July 2026 at 06:56 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What we know

Washington announced the dispatch of a humanitarian flight to Cuba carrying food and hygiene kits, according to Le Temps. This marks the first phase of a $100 million aid package promised to the Cuban people.

The aircraft departed from Miami in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a humanitarian organization of the American Catholic Church founded in 1943 and a member of Caritas Internationalis. The flight carries supplies to meet the needs of up to 700 Cuban families.

Distribution of food and hygiene kits will be handled directly by local parish representatives to prevent any diversion by the Cuban government.

Context

The aid had been initially proposed in November 2025, following Hurricane Melissa's passage over Cuba. Melissa — a storm that reached Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale on October 27, 2025 in the Caribbean — caused devastating damage across the island. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since renewed and expanded the offer.

In late May 2026, Rubio claimed that Havana had accepted the aid offer. Cuba had only stated publicly that it was examining the American proposal.

Rubio, whose parents are of Cuban origin, is a sharp critic of Havana's communist government. In the statement accompanying the announcement, he described the regime as a "kleptocracy marked by brutality and economic incompetence."

kleptocracy marked by brutality and economic incompetence

— Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, regarding the Cuban government

Timeline

1. 1962
   The United States imposes a commercial embargo on Cuba, still in effect.
2. October 2025
   Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm, devastates Cuba.
3. November 2025
   Washington proposes a $100 million humanitarian aid package for the Cuban people.
4. Washington imposes an oil blockade on Cuba, accompanied by sanctions against companies.