A charter flight scheduled to depart from Havana to Fort Myers, Florida, turned into an ordeal for numerous passengers who endured stifling heat inside the plane. The absence of air conditioning and the lack of clear communication from the agency Cubazul added to the distress.
A video captured by TikTok user @helencarrera00 revealed passengers frantically fanning themselves, a child crying, and some adults starting to feel unwell. Amidst the turmoil, an elderly woman suffered a panic attack, bursting into tears, which prompted authorities to evacuate all passengers amid cries of “It’s not easy!”
“Charter plane departing Havana with Cubazul (Fort Myers) without air conditioning, passengers fainting, and just one child, my daughter," the passenger lamented in a viral post. The Cuban woman recounted that the ordeal began with a delay of several hours and stretched into a three-day wait on the island before finally leaving Cuba. Despite having paid for a first-class seat, she discovered upon boarding the return flight that these seats were occupied by the charter owners. “There was no apology and certainly no refund,” she complained.
The footage highlights the mounting frustration among passengers, many of whom traveled from various provinces, facing uncertainty and a lack of information. “What a disgrace,” the video’s creator remarked.
This incident once again underscores the challenging conditions Cubans face in their efforts to travel abroad, grappling with endless delays, technical deficiencies, and treatment that, according to complaints, borders on disrespect for those paying high prices in hopes of a decent service.
Common Issues in Cuban Air Travel
What were the main challenges faced by passengers on the Cubazul flight?
Passengers faced stifling heat due to the lack of air conditioning, leading to health issues like fainting and panic attacks. Additionally, there was poor communication and no clear guidance from the airline.
How did the situation escalate on the plane?
Tensions escalated as passengers endured the heat, leading to a panic attack in an elderly woman, which necessitated an evacuation of all passengers from the aircraft.
What broader issues does this incident highlight about Cuban air travel?
The incident highlights chronic problems faced by Cubans traveling abroad, including long delays, technical shortcomings, and perceived disrespectful treatment despite paying high prices.