The Cuban government has announced its intention to transform the José Martí International Airport in Havana into the most competitive air transportation hub in the Caribbean. This ambitious plan aims to attract greater national and foreign investment and position Cuba as a key logistical node in the region.
During the III International Fair of Transport and Logistics, Joel Beltrán Archer Santos, president of the Cuban Aviation Corporation SA (CACSA), detailed that the project includes the expansion and renovation of the runways, platforms, and terminals of the airport, reported the website REPORTUR.
It is anticipated that a transformation in Terminal 3 will take place, as well as the development of a
In February, Cuban authorities inaugurated a new lounge in Terminal 3, with a capacity for 300 passengers. The lounge is equipped with a conveyor belt and automated luggage processing equipment, which is expected to enhance efficiency in luggage management and provide a more comfortable experience for travelers.
Despite these efforts at modernization, the Cuban tourism sector faces significant challenges. In 2024, the island received approximately 2.2 million international visitors, a figure considerably lower than the 4.7 million recorded in 2019.
Experts like José Luis Perelló predict that Cuba will not recover its pre-pandemic tourism levels until 2030, characterizing this period as a "lost decade" for tourism on the island.
Additionally, several international airlines have suspended their routes to Cuba due to a decrease in demand and concerns about airport infrastructure.
For example, the Swiss airline Edelweiss Air announced the cancellation of its Zurich-Havana route starting in March, citing operational difficulties at Havana airport and a decrease in passenger demand.
Also, the German airline Condor announced that it will cease all its operations to Cuba starting in May 2025, eliminating the only direct air link between Germany and the Caribbean island.
This decision will affect destinations such as Havana, Varadero, and Holguín, and it responds to a decrease in passenger demand and growing issues with local infrastructure in Cuba, including crises of blackouts and shortages, which have negatively impacted the travel experience and operations of Cóndor.
Meanwhile, the Cuban government is optimistic about transforming José Martí International Airport into a regional hub; however, the realization of this ambitious project will depend on the country's ability to overcome current challenges and attract the necessary investment to implement the planned reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions about the modernization of Havana Airport and the tourism situation in Cuba
What is the objective of the Cuban government with the modernization of José Martí International Airport?
The Cuban government aims to transform the José Martí International Airport in Havana into the most competitive air hub in the Caribbean. The goal is to attract greater national and foreign investment and position Cuba as a key logistical node in the region.
What improvements are being implemented at Havana Airport?
The improvements include the expansion and remodeling of the runways, platforms, and terminals of the airport, particularly Terminal 3, as well as the development of a fixed-base operator at Terminal 5. These enhancements are expected to raise the standards of safety and efficiency, aligning with contemporary air transportation operations.
Why have some airlines canceled operations to Cuba?
Several international airlines have suspended their routes to Cuba due to a decrease in demand and issues with local infrastructure. Factors such as power outages, shortages, and the airport infrastructure crisis have negatively affected the experience of travelers and the operations of airlines.
How is the tourism situation in Cuba affecting the country's economy?
Tourism in Cuba has experienced a significant decline, severely impacting the country's economy, which relies heavily on the income generated by this sector. In 2024, the island welcomed approximately 2.2 million international tourists, a number far lower than the 4.7 million recorded in 2019. This drop in traveler arrivals has negatively affected the Cuban economy.
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