Havana airport has planned night closures on October 12 and 19

The José Martí International Airport in Havana (MUHA) has planned two night closures on Mondays, October 12 and 19, according to official notices published by the Cuban Air Navigation Company (ECNA). On both dates, the suspension of airport operations is scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 2:40 a.m. the following day, Cuba time.

The announced closures will last for seven hours and 40 minutes each. These are measures scheduled for future dates, and the notices may be subject to changes.

Dates and times of the planned closures in Havana

The official NOTAM list of the ECNA, consulted this Sunday, October 11 at 14:04 UTC, includes the following intervals:

• From Monday, October 12 to Tuesday, October 13: from 7:00 p.m. on Monday until 2:40 a.m. on Tuesday, local time. In Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), from 11:00 p.m. on the 12th until 06:40 on the 13th. This corresponds to NOTAM A3592/26.
• From Monday, October 19 to Tuesday, October 20: from 7:00 p.m. on Monday until 2:40 a.m. on Tuesday, local time. In UTC, from 23:00 on the 19th until 06:40 on the 20th. Corresponds to NOTAM A3593/26.

Both documents were issued on October 9 and use the aviation indication "AD CLSD," an abbreviation for "airfield closed." The announced restriction pertains to the operation of the airfield during those time slots, not to an all-day closure or a permanent shutdown.

Why is the closure of José Martí Airport planned?

The two NOTAMs do not specify the cause. Their texts do not mention any construction, maintenance, fuel shortages, or any other explanation for the scheduled restrictions. They also do not identify the affected flights or airlines, nor do they confirm any specific cancellations.

These notices should be distinguished from the restrictions on the supply of Jet A-1 fuel: other NOTAMs have declared their unavailability in ten Cuban airports until November 1. The overlap of both situations does not allow us to assert that the nighttime closures are a result of the lack of fuel.

What should passengers with flights on those dates do?

Those planning to leave Havana or arrive in the Cuban capital during the night of October 12-13 or October 19-20 must confirm directly with their airline the status and schedule of their flight before heading to the airport. The company will be able to inform them if there are any changes to the itinerary.

The published schedules are those anticipated in the NOTAMs consulted on October 11. Since these notices may be modified, replaced, or canceled, any updates should be verified with the official aeronautical system and the corresponding airline.