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The first flight of the Madrid-Santa Clara connection landed this Friday at Abel Santamaría International Airport in the province of Villa Clara, after the route was reactivated that had been suspended in September 2024.
The official broadcaster La Reina Radial del Centro reported that the aircraft, an Airbus 330 from the airline Iberojet, has a maximum capacity of 378 passengers and will operate with a weekly frequency.
Upon arriving at the Cuban aerodrome, and presenting an idyllic image of Cuba that starkly contrasts with the misery in which the population lives, travelers were welcomed with dance, Cuban music, and plenty of rum, as seen in the photos shared by the Facebook page of the airport.
The trip was one of the last for the Spanish captain Antonio Palerm Pons, a pilot for Iberojet, who concludes a 28-year career in commercial aviation.
With this Friday's flight, the flights have been inaugurated that aim to bring tourists to destinations such as Cayo Santa María and Cienfuegos. The connection will operate every Friday and will run until September.
Iberojet (formerly Evelop) offers travel to the city of Villa Clara from the Spanish capital on its website, with one-way prices starting at 280 euros.
This is good news for those affected by the cancellation of the Iberojet route between Barcelona and Santa Clara due to the economic crisis in Cuba.
After the decision, the passengers were rebooked on flights connecting Madrid with Santa Clara.
This direct link between Santa Clara's Abel Santamaría Cuadrado International Airport and Madrid-Barajas in Madrid started in July of last year. The connection remained until September 4, 2024, with a weekly frequency (on Wednesdays).
In June 2024, Iberojet resumed its direct flights between Lisbon and Varadero with planned seasonal operations until October of that year.
In 2023, the airline announced the cancellation of its routes to Havana and Santiago de Cuba due to low demand for flights to the island. However, in 2024, it resumed its operations in Varadero, one of the most important destinations for tourism in the country.
Frequently asked questions about the reactivation of Madrid-Santa Clara flights by Iberojet
What is the frequency of flights between Madrid and Santa Clara with Iberojet?
The connection will operate on a weekly frequency, specifically every Friday, and will continue until the month of September.
What tourist destinations are being promoted with the reactivation of the Madrid-Santa Clara flight?
The reactivation of the flight aims to bring tourists to destinations such as Cayo Santa María and Cienfuegos, taking advantage of Santa Clara's strategic location as a starting point to explore other Cuban tourist gems.
What type of aircraft does Iberojet use for the Madrid-Santa Clara route?
Iberojet operates this route with an Airbus A330, which has a maximum capacity of 378 passengers, providing a comfortable option for travelers on this transatlantic connection.
How much is a one-way ticket for the Madrid-Santa Clara flight?
The price for a one-way flight from Madrid to Santa Clara with Iberojet starts at 280 euros, according to the information available on the airline's website.
What impact does the reactivation of flights have on the Cuban economy?
The reactivation of flights aims to encourage tourism, one of the main sources of income for the Cuban regime. However, the reality of the country reveals a deep economic crisis, with criticism towards the government’s management that prioritizes tourism while neglecting essential sectors such as health and agriculture.
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