The José Martí International Airport in Havana recently stated that it is working in a "constant and systematic" manner to restore the air conditioning system in Terminal 3, one of the most frequented areas by travelers entering and leaving Cuba.
“We are working consistently and systematically to ensure better operation and recovery of the air conditioning system at Terminal 3,” the entity published on its official page on Facebook.
According to the message, “follow-up actions and preventive maintenance have been implemented to avoid impacts on airport facilities,” with the goal of providing “a comfortable and pleasant environment” for both passengers and employees.
However, the repeated failures in the air conditioning of that terminal have been the subject of complaints for over a year.
Previous reports gather multiple complaints from passengers about the high temperatures inside the terminal, where the suffocating heat, lack of ventilation, and overall deterioration of the facilities have been persistent issues.
In September 2024, airport authorities had already promised to address the air conditioning issues in that same terminal, after a video went viral showing sweaty passengers who were visibly uncomfortable and demanding better conditions.
However, in the following months, the promises were only partially fulfilled, with partial repairs and temporary installations that did not manage to cover the entire affected area.
Despite the announced investments by the government to improve airport infrastructure, Terminal 3 has continued to face criticism for its overall poor condition: unsanitary bathrooms, waiting areas lacking basic conditions, and an experience that many users describe as chaotic.
Furthermore, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently ranked Havana's airport among the most congested in Latin America.
The current statement reaffirms the commitment to the "well-being of all those who are part of our airport community," although it does not specify any dates or detail whether the air conditioning systems are currently fully operational.
It also does not mention whether the work includes other problematic areas of the airport such as sanitary services, internet access, or passenger flow organization.
Given the history of deficiencies at Terminal 3, the new announcement could generate skepticism: promising a "comfortable and pleasant environment" in one of the most criticized terminals in the country is hard to uphold unless it translates into tangible and sustained improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Havana Airport and Terminal 3
What problems does Terminal 3 of Havana Airport face?
The Terminal 3 of José Martí International Airport in Havana is facing climate control issues that have been the subject of complaints from passengers due to high temperatures and lack of ventilation. Despite promises of improvement, the solutions have been partial and have not managed to cover the entire affected area.
What are the criticisms regarding the conditions of Havana airport?
The Havana airport has received criticism for unsanitary restrooms, poor passenger flow organization, and lack of adequate infrastructure. Passengers have reported unpleasant experiences such as unpleasant odors in the restrooms and delays in baggage claim.
What actions is the Cuban government taking to improve Havana's airport?
The Cuban government has announced an ambitious modernization plan that includes the expansion and renovation of Terminal 3. However, despite these efforts, the airport remains one of the most congested in Latin America, which raises skepticism about the effectiveness of the planned improvements.
How does the energy crisis affect Cuban airports?
Despite the energy crisis in Cuba, which includes widespread blackouts, the authorities assure that airports continue to operate normally thanks to backup systems. However, no details have been provided on how long these conditions can be maintained amid a prolonged crisis.
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