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The Venezuelan airline Rutaca Airlines announced that starting July 18, it will begin operating direct flights between Valencia, in the Carabobo state, and Havana, to enhance air connectivity between both countries amid the regime's desperation to attract tourists to Cuba.
According to the company in a statement posted on social media, the flights will operate twice a week, departing on Mondays and Fridays from Arturo Michelena International Airport at 7:00 am, arriving in Havana at 10:30 am. The return trip from José Martí International Airport is scheduled for 12:00 pm, with arrival in Venezuela at 3:30 pm.
Rutaca will use Boeing 737 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to serve this new route.
Round-trip flights are offered at 450 dollars and include two suitcases of up to 23 kg each.
Tourist authorities in the state of Carabobo celebrated the news and highlighted the impact it will have on business travel, tourism, and family reunions between the two nations.
The Valencia-Havana route reinforces the trend of expansion for Venezuelan airlines in the region, aiming to capitalize on the demand for air travel between Cuba and Venezuela, two countries that maintain close political and economic ties.
The announcement adds to recent movements in the regional aviation industry where companies such as Conviasa have also expanded their routes to the island, often focusing on the transportation of packages, passengers, and official missions.
Rutaca inaugurated a route in 2024 that connected Frank País International Airport in Holguín with Venezuela. Currently, the airline only offers flights within Venezuela and none are indicated to Cuba.
The influx of Cubans in Venezuela
The trips of Cubans to Venezuela, specifically to Isla Margarita, are primarily for purchasing tax-exempt products, amidst a challenging context of scarcity in Cuba.
Statistics from the Chamber of Commerce of the state of Nueva Esparta indicate that over 5,000 tourists visited Isla Margarita in 2023.
Cubans contribute approximately 1,600,000 dollars to the economy of Nueva Esparta, as each flight from the Caribbean nation carries about 50 passengers who spend roughly 4,000 dollars during their average four-day stay.
The expenses of travelers are driven by the purchase of products abroad that they cannot find in their own country, which are used for subsequent marketing in the informal market.
Meanwhile, the regimes of both countries are trying to disguise these commercial operations with the narrative that Cubans are traveling to this beautiful Venezuelan region for tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutaca's new flight route between Valencia and Havana
When will Rutaca Airlines begin operating flights between Valencia and Havana?
Rutaca Airlines will begin operating direct flights between Valencia and Havana starting July 18, 2025. These flights will have a biweekly frequency, departing on Mondays and Fridays.
What type of aircraft will Rutaca Airlines use for the Valencia-Havana route?
Rutaca will use Boeing 737 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to operate flights between Valencia and Havana. These models are suitable for covering the distance between the two destinations.
What is the political context surrounding the new flight route of Rutaca Airlines?
The opening of this new route comes amid an effort by the Cuban regime to attract tourists to the island, despite the economic crisis and the air isolation that Cuba is facing. The expansion of Venezuelan airlines, such as Rutaca and Conviasa, aims to capitalize on the demand for air travel between Cuba and Venezuela, countries with close political and economic ties.
How does air connectivity impact the tourism crisis in Cuba?
Despite the efforts to improve air connectivity, the tourism crisis in Cuba is exacerbated by low demand and poor operating conditions, which has led multiple airlines to cancel their routes to the island. This situation further complicates the Cuban regime's attempt to revitalize the tourism sector.
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