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The Abel Santamaría Cuadrado Airport in Santa Clara, the main facility of its kind in central Cuba, has presented its strategic plan for 2025, which aims to enhance customer service.
Among the plans proposed by the airport authority are the replacement of the terminal roof, the construction of parking areas for electric motorcycles, the installation of closed-circuit television systems, and the rehabilitation of key infrastructure for service, reported Prensa Latina.
Additionally, they announced their intention to implement training plans and a salary increase exceeding five percent, with the aim of strengthening the quality of services and labor welfare, in a context marked by employee turnover due to increasing emigration and the economic crisis on the island.
These announcements align with the Cuban government's intention to significantly enhance the operations of its main international airports as part of an ambitious development program that will extend until 2030, according to a source from the Ministry of Transportation (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 the passenger reception capacity at that airport facility by 30%, according to Joel Archer Santos, the president of the Cuban Aviation Corporation (CAC).
Furthermore, the capabilities of Terminal 2 will be expanded, which is expected to ensure greater coverage for passengers and airlines in the event of possible increases in operations.
In the case of the Santa Clara airport, despite its projections and that, according to Lester Roberto Bello, the director of the facility, the airport stood out with an average stay of 27 minutes for each aircraft, it did not report flights delayed for more than 45 minutes and also did not register serious incidents of aviation security. A recent complaint highlighted on social media the congestion of the hallways with luggage.
The journalist from Univisión 23, Mario Vallejo, shared images that demonstrate a significant disorder in luggage handling, pointing out that charter flight operations allow passengers to carry large quantities of luggage, which leads to accumulation and delays in the delivery of bags.
Furthermore, affected passengers have reported questionable practices, such as the need to pay bribes to retrieve their luggage, highlighting poor management in the Cuban airport system. These situations have sparked debates on social media, where both the airport administration and the restrictions imposed by airlines are being criticized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Improvements in Cuban Airports and Their Challenges
What are the main improvements planned for Abel Santamaría Airport in 2025?
The Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara plans to replace the terminal's roof, build parking facilities for electric motorcycles, install closed-circuit television systems, and rehabilitate key infrastructures. Additionally, training programs and a salary increase will be implemented to enhance service and improve workplace wellbeing.
What has motivated the implementation of a salary increase at the Santa Clara airport?
The salary increase, exceeding five percent, aims to enhance the quality of services and workplace well-being in a context of significant employee turnover due to emigration and the economic crisis in Cuba.
How is luggage congestion being addressed at Abel Santamaría Airport?
Despite the airport being noted for an average stay time of 27 minutes for each aircraft, there have been reports of luggage congestion in the corridors, especially for flights coming from the United States, due to the accumulation of bags that do not arrive on time.
What actions are being taken at José Martí International Airport to improve the passenger experience?
At the José Martí International Airport in Havana, a new service area for 300 passengers has been inaugurated and it is expected to improve baggage handling with a new conveyor belt system. These measures are part of an expansion and renovation program aimed at increasing passenger reception capacity by 30%.
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