Related videos:
The Cuban Aviation Corporation S.A. (CACSA) announced that final adjustments are being made for the implementation of a new baggage carousel system in the arrivals area of Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport.
"With this new mat, we will significantly improve the efficiency of baggage handling, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable experience for all our travelers," the organization stated in a post on Facebook this Thursday.
The note added that "this advancement, contracted and imported by Aviaimport", is an essential part of the expansion of the Airport facilities, and is designed to "enhance the quality of service" for passengers.
The official information concluded that the change of mats is the result of the joint effort of the Cuban Airports and Airport Services Company S.A., CCOA Obras para la Aviación Comercial Take Off S.A., and the Cuban Aviation Corporation S.A.
Corporación de la Aviación Cubana S.A. did not specify the date when travelers arriving at Terminal 3 will be able to enjoy the benefits of a new baggage carousel.
The baggage claim upon passenger arrival at Terminal 3 in Havana has always been a point of criticism due to wait times, which is perplexing considering that it is not an airport with significant air traffic.
Remodeling of Cuban airports
In mid-January, the Cuban government announced plans for a significant increase in operations at its main international airports as part of an ambitious development program that will extend until 2030, according to a source from the Ministry of Transport (MITRANS).
The program includes the expansion and renovation of Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport in Havana, the country's main airport.
These improvements will increase passenger reception capacity at that airport facility by 30%, according to the president of the Cuban Aviation Corporation (CAC), Joel Archer Santos.
Additionally, there are plans to expand the capabilities of Terminal 2, which is expected to ensure greater coverage for passengers and airlines in the event of potential increases in operations.
Joel Archer highlighted the rehabilitation that has already been carried out at the airports of Jardines del Rey and Cayo Largo del Sur.
In the west, the Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in the resort of Varadero was repaired last year, while work is currently underway at the eastern terminals of Camagüey and Holguín to improve climate control and other conditions.
Among future projects, Archer announced that investments are being evaluated for the renovation of the Santiago de Cuba airport in 2025.
In addition, the runways of almost all the mentioned terminals, including that of Isla de la Juventud, are undergoing improvements aimed at enhancing safety in operations.
Decrease in flights to Cuba and decline in tourism
Despite the announced effort for airport modernization, in recent months the airports on the island have shown significant deficiencies that impact the travel experience.
The José Martí International Airport, in particular, faced criticism after Terminal 3 was without air conditioning for two months, a situation that worsened the long waits for passengers in conditions of heat and humidity.
In 2024, Cuba faced numerous route cancellations by various international airlines, leading to a significant decrease in the island's air connectivity.
On the other hand, a recent preliminary report published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) revealed striking figures about the performance of the tourism sector during 2024, consolidating a discouraging outlook for one of the country's main sources of income.
According to the disclosed data, the number of international visitors was significantly lower than projected, showing a decline compared to previous years.
Until November 2024, the country received 2,719,259 travelers, which represents 95.2% of the total recorded in the same period of 2022, meaning 137,047 fewer travelers.
Of these, international visitors totaled 2,005,390, marking a decrease of 92.1% compared to the previous year, equivalent to 172,451 fewer visitors.
Filed under:
