What was supposed to be a routine flight from Havana to Madrid turned into chaos on August 22, when the pilot and co-pilot of the Spanish airline World2Fly were assaulted in the heart of Old Havana. According to journalist Javier Díaz on Facebook, one of the crew members suffered a skull fracture due to the attack.
As a result, the flight scheduled for 8:50 pm had to be canceled, affecting dozens of passengers who were already in the process of checking in. The incident not only disrupted an international flight but also highlighted the rising insecurity in Cuba, where robberies have become increasingly common, even targeting foreigners.
Traditionally portrayed by the regime as one of the safest tourist spots on the island, Old Havana was the backdrop for an alarming event that has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. Affected passengers described moments of confusion and anxiety. According to accounts shared on social media, many were transported by tourist buses to various hotels in the capital, including the Parque Central, where they spent the night without clear information about the incident or certainty about when they could travel.
"We were shuttled around, exhausted, not really knowing what was happening. Eventually, they gave us lodging, but the tension was already there," one affected passenger explained. Meanwhile, World2Fly managed to reschedule the flight for the next day, but the incident exposed the frailty of the state apparatus in ensuring security, even in areas crucial to the national economy.
The event has sparked severe criticism over the lack of security measures and the police's inaction. Social media users claim this is not an isolated incident: robberies and assaults, even in central and tourist areas like Old Havana's historic center, have increased in recent months without effective responses from the authorities.
The news has also impacted the international perception of Cuba as a tourist destination. In a context where the sector is experiencing a historic crisis, violence against foreigners—coupled with service shortages, inflation, and structural problems on the island—threatens to deter potential visitors. For many Cubans, the incident is a clear symptom of the island's social deterioration.
The assault on the crew was not just an attack on land; it was also a harsh blow to international tourism, one of the few sectors the regime is trying to keep afloat amid the crisis. Insecurity, along with institutional neglect, threatens to further empty the planes departing from Havana.
Impact of Insecurity on Tourism in Cuba
Why was the World2Fly flight canceled?
The flight was canceled due to an assault on the pilot and co-pilot, resulting in the need for medical attention and disrupting the crew's ability to operate the flight.
How did the incident affect passengers?
Passengers experienced uncertainty and were transported to various hotels, unsure of when they could continue their travel plans.
What does this incident reveal about the current state of security in Cuba?
The incident highlights the increasing insecurity in Cuba, particularly in areas traditionally considered safe for tourists, and showcases the inadequacy of current security measures.