The Abel Santamaría Cuadrado Airport in Santa Clara, a key hub in central Cuba, has unveiled its strategic blueprint for 2025, aiming to enhance customer service. The airport authorities plan to replace the terminal roof, construct parking for electric motorcycles, install closed-circuit television systems, and refurbish essential infrastructure, according to Prensa Latina.
Additionally, there are plans to introduce training initiatives and a salary hike exceeding five percent to improve service quality and employee welfare. This comes amidst a growing worker exodus caused by economic challenges and rising emigration from the island.
These initiatives align with the Cuban government's ambition to significantly boost operations at its major international airports as part of a broader development agenda extending to 2030, as stated by the Ministry of Transport (MITRANS). The program also includes expanding and renovating Terminal 3 of Havana's José Martí International Airport, the country's primary airfield.
Such enhancements are expected to increase passenger capacity at this facility by 30%, according to Joel Archer Santos, president of the Cuban Aviation Corporation (CAC). Furthermore, Terminal 2's expansion aims to provide greater capacity for passengers and airlines to accommodate potential growth in operations.
Despite these forward-looking plans, the Santa Clara airport, which, according to its director Lester Roberto Bello, boasts an average aircraft turnaround time of 27 minutes and no reported delays exceeding 45 minutes or significant security incidents, faced criticism over baggage handling. Recent social media posts highlighted congested corridors filled with luggage.
Univision 23 journalist Mario Vallejo shared images showing considerable disorder in baggage management, noting that charter flights allow passengers to carry substantial amounts of luggage, resulting in accumulation and delays in baggage delivery.
Moreover, affected passengers have alleged questionable practices, such as paying bribes to retrieve their belongings, underscoring inefficiencies in Cuba's airport management system. These issues have sparked online debates critiquing both airport administration and airline-imposed restrictions.
Key Insights on Santa Clara Airport Developments
What are the main improvements planned for Santa Clara Airport?
The airport plans to replace the terminal roof, build parking for electric motorcycles, install CCTV systems, and refurbish essential infrastructure.
Why is there a focus on wage increases and training at the airport?
The airport aims to enhance service quality and employee satisfaction amid high worker turnover due to economic hardships and emigration.
How is the Cuban government supporting airport development?
The government has outlined a development agenda to 2030, including expanding and upgrading major airports like Havana's José Martí International Airport.