A ruptured water pipe led to the temporary shutdown of Terminal 3 at Havana's José Martí International Airport on the night of Monday, September 23. This unexpected disruption halted operations at Cuba's primary air travel hub. A video on TikTok by user ALX492_ revealed the extensive leak that flooded the immigration check area, necessitating the urgent relocation of flights from airlines such as Conviasa, Copa Airlines, and Neos to Terminal 2.
According to an official statement on Facebook, technical teams worked intensively to repair the damage, allowing operations to resume by 3:00 a.m. on Monday. "José Martí International Airport apologizes for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the understanding of its passengers," the statement read. However, the extent of the damage and whether additional areas of the terminal were affected were not disclosed.
Structural Challenges at a Key Terminal
This incident is just the latest in a series of structural and operational issues plaguing Terminal 3 in recent months, highlighting its critical maintenance challenges. On September 3, an unexpected power outage left hundreds of passengers in darkness in the boarding area, prompting complaints about the lack of information.
Furthermore, on August 14, a viral video showed water leaking from the ceiling during a heavy rainstorm, while travelers queued for boarding. On September 10, CiberCuba reported that the airport was still relying on alternative means due to a shortage of spare parts and difficulties in maintaining essential systems such as air conditioning, lighting, and security scanners.
The Impact on Passengers and Air Logistics
Terminal 3 is Cuba's busiest, handling a high volume of international flights. Therefore, any disruption directly affects thousands of passengers and the country's air logistics, particularly amid the sector's fragile economic and infrastructure situation.
FAQs about Havana's Airport Terminal 3 Challenges
What caused the temporary closure of Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport?
A water pipe rupture led to a significant leak, flooding the immigration check area and necessitating the temporary closure of Terminal 3.
How did the airport manage flight operations during the closure?
Flights from affected airlines were urgently relocated to Terminal 2 to continue operations while repairs were made at Terminal 3.
What other issues have been reported at Terminal 3 recently?
Recently, Terminal 3 has experienced a power outage and water leaks during heavy rain, alongside ongoing challenges with maintaining essential systems.