A Cuban woman was astonished by the exorbitant prices of products at a café in José Martí International Airport in Havana, where sweets range between 700 and 2,000 pesos.
During her journey, the young woman documented in a video shared on TikTok (@cuba.live2) the café's offerings, which included coffee, soft drinks, cookies, and sorbets, highlighting the stark difference between the prices and the purchasing power of most Cubans.
The young woman described the airport as a space dominated by cafes and souvenir shops, highlighting that while a variety of products are available, the prices render many items unaffordable for domestic travelers.
Additionally, he noted that alongside these cafes are other airport facilities, such as the airlines and the currency exchange, which highlight a stark contrast between the luxury of the shops and the economic reality of Cubans.
In another video, the young woman continued to showcase the airport environment, describing a space filled with small businesses, travel agencies, shops, and even a market.
"Here, there is a completely different atmosphere," he commented, highlighting the presence of screens to watch football, cafés with tables for dining, and the strong aroma of food and coffee that characterizes the place.
Although the airport presents a modern image and offers a variety of options for travelers, the exorbitant prices at its establishments highlight the stark contrast with the country's economic reality.
For many Cubans, these spaces seem to be designed exclusively for those with access to foreign currency or high incomes, leaving the majority of the population excluded.
The young woman completed her journey by demonstrating how, after passing through the cafés and small shops, travelers reach the parking area and the terminal that connects to the main road, concluding a narrative that highlights the economic disparities evident even in a transit location like the airport.
In the past, José Martí International Airport has faced numerous criticisms.
In 2023, a Cuban woman reported the scam her mother fell victim to at a store. According to the internet user Yanisel Leyva in the Facebook group "Cubans in Spain," her mother was charged an excessive price for three boxes of cigarettes at a store in freely convertible currency (MLC) outside Terminal 3 of the airport.
"Each box cost a little over 1, and they charged her €12.22 for the 3 boxes that didn't exceed €4. My mother didn't notice at the time due to the stress of the trip, and the girl who assisted her took advantage of that and didn't even mention the amount; she just charged her and scammed her," Leyva wrote in his post.
In October, the facility was plunged into darkness due to the massive blackout that affected Cuba, but the regime assured that planes can land without issues thanks to backup generators.
In a statement, the Cuban Aviation Corporation (CACSA) assured that the country's international airports, including the services and systems at their facilities, have energy backup to ensure the operation of the aircraft.
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