Cubans evicted from Havana airport for asking Wingo airline for explanations

Several people were evacuated from José Martí International Airport in Havana for seeking explanations from the Colombian low-cost airline Wingo about an announcement stating that starting July 8, a transit visa would be required for Cubans wishing to fly to Bogotá.

A video published by journalist Mario J Pentón denounces that passengers of the airline who had scheduled flights went to terminal 3 to ask for explanations about the announcement, and no Wingo representative assisted them. Instead, they were threatened by Cuban military personnel who forced them to evacuate the area.

A lieutenant colonel threatened to take us into custody to the station. The airline did not respond, no one came out to give any answers. We don't know if we are going to the embassy. Black berets entered, police officers entered, and they took us out," said those affected.

In statements to the reporter, they affirmed that they fear being stranded in the Caribbean nation after having purchased tickets.

The airline responded to those affected on Tuesday through a note posted on Facebook, in which it explained that "Because Wingo only operates point to point, and does not have connections, Cuban travelers are required to present a visitor visa when boarding their flight. This document must be issued by the Colombian Consulate in Cuba."

The Colombian company also stated that it is important for the passenger to present a confirmed return ticket to the country issued by Wingo.

However, the Colombian Consulate in Havana clarified that a transit visa is not required for layovers of less than 24 hours.

The route Havana-Bogota, Bogota-San Salvador, and San Salvador-Managua is used by thousands of Cubans to begin their journey towards the southern border of the United States.

This incident occurs one week after the airline Avianca canceled its flights and left many Cubans stranded, who had sold their belongings to embark on the journey.

In the context of the migration crisis, Cubans do not have instances to protest, claim, or demand the refund of their airline tickets or travel agencies. Instead of supporting their claims, the authorities on the island have responded with repression.