Officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) denied entry to Cuba for a Russian traveler who exhibited "aggressive and destructive" behavior during a flight from Moscow to Varadero with Rossiya Airlines.
Although the incident has just come to light, it actually took place in November 2023, according to a recently revealed report from a Russian aviation news portal.
MININT ordered the deportation of the traveler, who was sent back on the same aircraft he had arrived on, heading back to Moscow.
"In November 2023, a passenger on flight SU/FV6927 from Moscow to Varadero displayed aggressive and destructive behavior, posing a threat to the safety of other passengers and the crew," the publication noted, detailing the erratic nature of the behavior.
"He refused to sit in his seat, attempted to smoke in the cabin, and made threats. The crew managed to stabilize the situation, but the incident led to the troublemaker being denied entry into the country upon arrival at Varadero airport," the source added.
The additional costs of removing the passenger from Cuba by MININT's order were borne by Rossiya Airlines. The airline had to cover the travel expenses of security agents who handled the disruptive traveler during the return flight to Sheremetyevo.
Rossiya filed a lawsuit against the passenger, who has now been forced to reimburse the airline for the expenses, amounting to 50,000 rubles (approximately $543).
In a statement, the airline emphasized "the importance of adhering to air safety regulations," while warning that "non-compliance with these rules can result in financial losses, deportation, and entry bans to certain countries."
According to the same source, Rossiya recorded 678 cases of disruptive behavior on its flights in 2023 alone. More than half of these incidents were related to passenger intoxication. A total of 513 people were removed from flights and handed over to law enforcement, and 94 flights were delayed due to such infractions. Over the past year, the airline won 35 court cases against passengers and received over 1,300,000 rubles in compensation.
Russian Tourism Surge in Cuba
Russian tourism to Cuba has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in 2024, with a 141% increase compared to the previous year.
This surge is partly due to the Cuban government's efforts to attract more visitors from Russia by negotiating more direct flights and promoting Russian investments in the island's hotel sector.
Despite the challenges facing tourism in Cuba, such as deteriorating infrastructure and rising crime, Russian tourists have become a crucial market for sustaining the island's struggling tourism industry. However, this increase has also led Cuban authorities to issue warnings about the behavior of these tourists.
FAQs about Russian Tourist Behavior and Deportation in Cuba
To provide more clarity on the recent incident involving a Russian tourist's deportation from Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why was the Russian tourist deported from Cuba?
The Russian tourist was deported due to aggressive and destructive behavior during a flight from Moscow to Varadero, which posed a threat to the safety of passengers and crew.
Who covered the costs of deporting the disruptive passenger?
Rossiya Airlines covered the additional costs of deporting the passenger, including the travel expenses of security agents who managed the return flight to Sheremetyevo.
How many cases of disruptive behavior did Rossiya Airlines report in 2023?
Rossiya Airlines reported 678 cases of disruptive behavior on its flights in 2023, with more than half being related to passenger intoxication.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to attract Russian tourists?
The Cuban government has negotiated more direct flights and promoted Russian investments in the island's hotel sector to attract more Russian tourists.