The air conditioning system in Terminal 3 of José Martí International Airport in Havana has shown improvements following recent repairs; however, the results are not consistent across all areas.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transportation, stated on Facebook that although the central chiller, which is essential for maintaining an adequate climate, has been repaired and the main system is operating with greater stability, there are still areas where thermal comfort has not been fully restored.
The head of the department explained that, since May, when the issues with the system were addressed following numerous criticisms, only eight out of the ten alternative "rooftop" units have been installed to alleviate the impact of the main system's poor performance.
Rodríguez proudly reported that the equipment has significantly improved the situation in areas with high passenger traffic, such as the final waiting halls and immigration and arrival zones. However, he acknowledged that there are still critical areas, such as the hallways leading to immigration and the post-customs areas, which have yet to reach optimal temperatures for traveler comfort.
The above indicates that, although efforts have been made to improve the situation, the solution remains partial and does not ensure a satisfactory experience throughout all areas of the terminal.
CACSA, the Cuban Aviation Corporation, has promised to continue efforts to acquire equipment with greater capacity that will bring the climate of Terminal 3 back to the initial comfort standards, Rodríguez noted.
However, until these actions are implemented and the installation of the remaining equipment is completed, many passengers will continue to experience thermal discomfort while passing through this terminal, which is essential for the arrival and departure of travelers to the country.
"The current situation is different; the airport's usual temperature has been gradually returning to normal and is expected to continue improving in the coming months," the transportation chief stated.
Rodríguez announced that in the coming weeks there will be new improvements with the expansion of the terminal, which could reduce the time spent in the most affected areas.
Several months after people expressed their outrage over the high temperatures at Havana airport, Irán Cueto Carmona, the general director, appeared in a video last July explaining that they are actively working to resolve the lack of air conditioning at the facility.
The official indicated that the "problems" with the climate system of Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport were caused by a malfunction, although he did not provide further details.
However, Cuba's main airport announced in July on its social media that they expected to have resolved the air conditioning issue "in the coming hours" after a new climate control system was installed.
"With the arrival of new material resources and the dedication of those who have not relented in their efforts, the José Martí International Airport is making positive strides in the restoration of the climate control system in Terminal 3," read an optimistic post on Facebook.
However, although it was partially resolved, the Minister of Transportation himself clarified that it was not a solution to the problem affecting passengers since last May. He regarded the implementation as an “important step forward in restoring the climate system of Terminal 3 and its subsequent modernization.”
Filed under: