The Cuban government has announced the expansion of the "Jardines del Rey" International Airport in Ciego de Ávila, which ranks as the third most significant airport in Cuba. This expansion comes in stark contrast to the dwindling numbers of foreign tourists, which have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. The state-run Canal Caribe has released new images showcasing expanded passenger areas and infrastructure enhancements. The report highlights the installation of 160 tons of centralized air conditioning, enlarged VIP lounges for improved capacity and passenger comfort, as well as new escalators and elevators. Furthermore, these upgrades are set to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-300, with a seating capacity of nearly 500 passengers.
Industry leaders have noted that in 2024, the airport handled over 3,100 aircraft movements and saw approximately 610,000 passenger arrivals and departures. However, these figures still fall short of pre-pandemic numbers. Officials from the Ministry of Tourism assert that the terminal is crucial for attracting tourists from markets like Canada, Russia, Argentina, and Portugal to popular spots such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Cruz. The project, undertaken amid an economic crisis and resource shortages, aims to enhance operational capacity and modernize facilities to draw international airlines.
Despite these efforts, the demand for flights to Cuba remains weak, influenced by factors such as a lack of tourism incentives, travel restrictions imposed by the United States, and the poor state of tourist services in the country. For instance, Swiss airline Edelweiss Air suspended its flights to Cuba starting this March, affecting primarily the Zurich-Havana route. This decision was based on challenges in maintaining stable operations at Havana Airport and declining passenger demand.
Additionally, German airline Condor has announced the cessation of all its flights to Cuba starting May 2025, thereby eliminating the only direct air connection between Germany and the Caribbean island. This will impact destinations like Havana, Varadero, and Holguín, which currently receive regular flights from Condor. The decision is a response to decreasing passenger demand and increasing issues with Cuba's local infrastructure, including power outages and shortages, which have adversely affected travelers' experiences and airline operations.
Recent data reveals that Cuba's tourism sector has suffered a significant decline compared to other Caribbean destinations. While countries like the Dominican Republic and Mexico have managed to recover and even surpass their pre-pandemic figures, Cuba lags in attracting visitors. In the first quarter of 2025, tourism in Cuba plummeted by 30%, according to recent official statistics. This drop marks the island's third-worst season in recent history.
In light of these figures, the Cuban government maintains that investments in infrastructure are necessary for economic revival and the development of the tourism sector. However, many citizens question the prioritization of such projects at a time when the country is mired in a severe crisis marked by shortages, power outages, and the devaluation of the Cuban peso. As airport expansions progress, doubts linger about whether these measures will indeed boost tourist arrivals or become yet another underutilized project in Cuba's struggling economic landscape.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Airport Expansion on Tourism
What are the main improvements being made at the "Jardines del Rey" International Airport?
The airport upgrades include the installation of 160 tons of centralized air conditioning, expanded VIP lounges for greater capacity, and the addition of new escalators and elevators. These improvements aim to enhance passenger comfort and accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 737-300.
How has the demand for flights to Cuba been affected recently?
The demand for flights to Cuba remains low due to factors such as insufficient tourism incentives, U.S. travel restrictions, and inadequate tourist services. These challenges have led to airlines like Edelweiss Air and Condor suspending their operations to Cuba.
Why is the Cuban government investing in airport infrastructure amid an economic crisis?
The Cuban government believes that investing in infrastructure is essential for the economic recovery and development of the tourism sector. Despite the crisis, they view these projects as crucial for attracting international airlines and boosting tourism.