During a recent trip, a Cuban citizen noticed that old airplanes were deteriorating in the open air at Havana's airport due to government neglect and harsh environmental conditions. This observation was shared in a video posted on social media this Wednesday.
"They're rotting there," exclaimed Joan Licourt in a video published on Facebook. "I once boarded that plane to go to Santiago de Cuba," he added, lamenting the state of the aircraft, which, according to him, might have been restored to flying condition. "Look at the deceased, they're pure junk now," he said with pain and nostalgia, showing the old planes he once used to travel to Santiago de Cuba.
Traveling between different provinces in Cuba has become a significant issue, often forcing people to rely on private transport due to the scarcity of state-run options. This situation is further exacerbated by the lack of domestic flights.
Government Promises and Setbacks
In 2023, the Cuban regime announced it would explore "the possibility of acquiring new aircraft" to revitalize its struggling aviation sector. This comes after years of the only state airline being unable to operate flights to key international destinations due to a shortage of airplanes.
"We continue to seek alternatives for both passenger and cargo transportation," said Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, who blamed the United States embargo for the widespread precariousness in Cuba. He also boasted that domestic flights would gradually resume, citing agreements with international companies and the arrival of a modernized Russian-made TU-204 plane, according to the state-run newspaper Granma.
Additionally, an IL-96 and several ATR aircraft arrived on the island, which he argued are "the most helpful for internal operations." In December 2023, a Cubana de Aviación IL-96 300 aircraft landed at José Martí International Airport after undergoing extensive maintenance in Russia that lasted over a year.
"Russian and Cuban manufacturers, experts, and specialists executed the work over 14 months, focusing on safety systems, navigation, and overall comfort, with modifications that enhance onboard service quality," detailed a brief note published by Cubadebate, reporting the aircraft's arrival.
FAQs about the State of Aviation in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the current state of aviation in Cuba, based on issues highlighted in the article.
Why are old airplanes deteriorating at Havana's airport?
Old airplanes are deteriorating due to government neglect and harsh environmental conditions.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve the aviation sector?
The government announced plans to acquire new aircraft and has established agreements with international companies to gradually resume domestic flights.
How has the U.S. embargo affected Cuba's aviation industry?
The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo for the widespread issues affecting the aviation sector, including the scarcity of operational aircraft.