In the midst of the sweltering heat in Havana, with temperatures soaring above 32 degrees Celsius, the José Martí International Airport is operating without air conditioning. As the main gateway to Cuba from abroad, the airport welcomes thousands of travelers daily and has been facing significant issues with its climate control system for several days.
On May 14 and 15, employees at Terminal 3 reported on Facebook that they were working tirelessly to resolve the problems affecting the air conditioning system. The lack of air conditioning is a recurring issue at this airport, causing discomfort for both the staff and the travelers who have no choice but to pass through.
Since 2021, several repair efforts have been undertaken at the airport. According to authorities, these actions have resulted in "significant improvements" to the infrastructure, including the air conditioning systems. The Cuban Customs even noted their capacity to handle a higher volume of travelers. Renovations included new flooring, painting, and other restoration tasks on the old building, but the issues persist.
Maintenance efforts have not resolved problems such as roof leaks, which become apparent with every rainfall, leaving a negative impression. Authorities have repeatedly discussed the need to expand Terminal 3, which receives international flights from Europe and other regions. Despite the recognized urgency, such expansion would require a multimillion-dollar investment, and the country's current economic crisis poses challenges to its realization.
Meanwhile, the José Martí International Airport remains a critical hub for air traffic between Cuba and the world. The current situation with the air conditioning system not only affects the comfort of passengers and staff but also raises questions about the effectiveness of the maintenance measures for this critical infrastructure on the island.
FAQs on José Martí International Airport's Air Conditioning Woes
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the ongoing air conditioning issues at Havana's José Martí International Airport.
What is causing the air conditioning issues at José Martí International Airport?
The air conditioning issues are primarily due to recurring failures in the climate control system, which have not been fully resolved despite multiple repair efforts.
How are the authorities addressing the air conditioning problems?
Authorities have undertaken several repair and maintenance actions since 2021, which they claim have led to significant improvements. However, persistent issues like roof leaks continue to affect the overall infrastructure.
What impact does the lack of air conditioning have on travelers and staff?
The absence of air conditioning causes considerable discomfort for both travelers and airport staff, especially during the hot summer months.
Is there a plan to expand Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport?
While there have been discussions about expanding Terminal 3 to better accommodate international flights, the economic crisis in Cuba makes it challenging to secure the necessary funding for such an extensive project.