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The José Martí International Airport in Havana reported on Tuesday that Terminal 3 is experiencing issues with the air conditioning system due to scheduled maintenance.
In a statement published on social media, the authorities specified that the work aims to “improve the efficiency of the air conditioning system” and that, during the works, the climate of the terminal will be partially affected.
According to the note, services continue to operate normally, thanks to the installation of alternative direct expansion units (rooftop) that help maintain a "comfortable environment for passengers and workers."
The announcement comes just hours after a water pipe break forces the temporary closure of Terminal 3, which led to the relocation of flights from airlines such as Conviasa, Copa Airlines, and Neos to Terminal 2.
The reopening took place in the early hours of Monday, but the incident once again highlighted the vulnerability of the infrastructure of the country's main airport, which had already experienced blackouts, rain leaks, and technical issues in recent months.
History of failures in air conditioning
The lack of air conditioning in Terminal 3 is not a new issue. In 2024, after weeks of complaints from travelers, the airport director, Irán Cueto Carmona, acknowledged that they were working on importing parts and installing “rooftop” systems to mitigate the breakdowns.
Amid these difficulties, an elderly passenger even suffered a heat stroke in July 2024, which sparked criticism on social media regarding the precarious conditions at the terminal.
Terminal 3 of José Martí Airport handles the majority of international flights to Cuba. Every incident, whether it's a hydraulic failure, a power outage, or lack of air conditioning, causes significant discomfort for thousands of passengers, at a time when the country relies on tourism as one of its main sources of income.
So far, the authorities have not specified how long the current maintenance will last or if there will be any further disruptions for travelers in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Martí Airport in Havana
What are the causes of the failures in the air conditioning of Terminal 3 at Havana airport?
The failures in the air conditioning system of Terminal 3 are frequent due to inadequate maintenance and the need to import parts for repairs. Despite promises of improvement, the actions taken have been partial and have not fully resolved the problem.
How does the infrastructure of José Martí Airport affect tourism in Cuba?
The inadequate infrastructure of José Martí Airport contributes to the decline of the tourist experience in Cuba. Issues such as power outages, water leaks due to rain, and poor condition of basic services deter tourists and negatively impact the country's image as a tourist destination.
What measures have been taken to improve conditions at Terminal 3 of Havana airport?
Alternative direct expansion (rooftop) units have been installed to alleviate the breakdowns in the air conditioning system. Additionally, constant and systematic maintenance has been promised to improve the efficiency of the facilities, although the results have been limited.
What impact do airport deficiencies have on the operations of international airlines?
The deficiencies in airport infrastructure have led to the cancellation of routes by international airlines. The lack of demand and operational difficulties have caused companies such as Edelweiss Air and Cóndor to suspend their flights to Cuba, impacting the country's air connectivity.
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