Cases & Deals

American Airlines wins dismissal of Helms-Burton Act lawsuit alleging unlawful use of Havana's international airport

Client(s) American Airlines Group

Jones Day successfully defended American Airlines against a "trafficking" claim brought under the Helms-Burton Act. The plaintiff asserted that he inherited a claim to the José Marti International Airport in Havana, which the Cuban government allegedly confiscated from the plaintiff's father in 1959. The plaintiff further alleged that American Airlines unlawfully trafficked in the confiscated property by using the airport for its flights to Cuba. Agreeing with Jones Day’s arguments, the district court dismissed the suit on two statutory grounds. Throughout the litigation, Jones Day obtained important victories for its client on various discovery motions and secured critical historical details through expert witnesses on damages, history, and Cuban law.

Lopez Regueiro v. American Airlines Inc., et al., No. 1-19-cv-23965 (S.D. Fla.)