Related videos:
The Antonio Maceo International Airport in Santiago de Cuba resumed its aviation operations this Saturday after being closed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which severely affected the airport infrastructure and left the province isolated by air for several days.
The information was confirmed by the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, who shared a message from Luis Roberto Rosés, the first deputy minister of the sector, directly from the eastern terminal on Facebook.
According to the official, the airport "is already regaining its vitality" after extensive cleaning, repair, and restoration of essential technological systems.
“Several facilities at Antonio Maceo International Airport in Santiago de Cuba that were damaged by the winds and rains of Hurricane Melissa are now regaining their vitality. It has been a hard effort by everyone to clear damaged structures, remove obstacles, restore technological systems, and ensure that yesterday saw the arrival of the first humanitarian flight,” said Rosés.
The deputy minister specified that on Friday, the arrival of the first flight with humanitarian aid was achieved, and that this Saturday, two international flights are already scheduled, thus marking the gradual resumption of operations at the Santiago terminal.
The recovery efforts have received support from technicians, assemblers, and specialists from other provinces, sent by the Cuban Aviation Corporation (CACSA) to strengthen the repair of the most affected areas, including roofs, electrical systems, and radar.
Hurricane Melissa struck the eastern part of Cuba with force, causing strong winds, flooding, and power outages that also impacted airport operations and the transportation system in the eastern region in general.
In Santiago de Cuba, the airport terminal suffered damage to metal structures, flooding, and failures in technological systems that prevented the landing of commercial and humanitarian flights for several days.
Authorities reported that, although operations have partially resumed, regular flights will depend on the complete restoration of electric and fuel services in the area, which are still affected by the national energy crisis and the aftermath of the weather phenomenon.
The restoration of operations has allowed for the arrival of flights carrying international humanitarian aid, including those from Colombia and UN agencies, transporting medical supplies and food intended for the most affected provinces: Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Las Tunas, and Holguín.
Filed under: