Aerovaradero, the state-run company, has once again become the focus of public criticism following a social media post highlighting the neglected condition of numerous motorcycles shipped to Cuba and stored at Santiago de Cuba's International Airport.
David Sollet Ortiz, a user in the Facebook group "MI CUBA MUERE," shared photos and an account detailing the abandonment of these vehicles.
"This is the sad reality we face at Santiago de Cuba International Airport. Aerovaradero, supposedly a shipping company, shows no respect for our hard-earned possessions," he lamented.
The images reveal dozens of boxes left unprotected, some wrapped in plastic, others formerly covered by tarps now blown away by wind, and several completely exposed to the elements.
In his post, Ortiz stated that "these motorcycles have been left for weeks under the sun, rain, and dew without any concern or care from anyone. This is our heart-wrenching reality on this island," he concluded.
Public Outrage and Frustration
The public response was swift and filled with frustration. Many users expressed their anger over yet another example of disorganization, negligence, and lack of oversight within the state entity.
"They tax us heavily, yet everything gets stolen—from the license plate fees to the toll money, which is already exorbitantly high," remarked a Havana resident.
"The leaders don't care; they have everything they need," wrote someone from Artemisa.
Another concerned citizen from Santa Clara reported, "Not only are they left abandoned, but parts are stolen, even the oil from some of them."
Accusations also surfaced regarding under-the-table payments to expedite deliveries. "A friend from Ciego de Ávila has had his car in Cuba for over six months without delivery. But with $2,000, you can get it in a day—it's no secret, many have done it," claimed a user.
From Holguín, another resident shared photos of cars allegedly "abandoned for six months in Mariel."
One commenter questioned the lack of minimal protection: "Why can't they at least set up a tent to shield these motorcycles?"
"This only happens in this country. And they charge so much for shipping," a Sagua la Grande resident added.
Systemic Failures and Lack of Accountability
Aerovaradero S.A., under the Cuban Aviation Corporation, handles the reception, handling, storage, customs clearance, and delivery of packages, including urgent and perishable cargo, at the country's major airports.
Its monopoly within the Cuban state system leaves users with no real alternatives when issues arise.
The continuous complaints on social media highlight the powerlessness of customers facing errors, delays, or losses, without effective mechanisms for complaints or compensation.
The prolonged accumulation of cargo, visible deterioration of goods, and reports of theft or irregular charges are just some indicators of a service plagued by inefficiency and lack of oversight.
A Troubling History of Complaints
These recent criticisms are not isolated incidents.
In August 2023, a young Cuban woman named Aliette Garaicoa reported that the agency mistakenly delivered a Bucatti motorbike sent from Panama to someone else and failed to take responsibility for the error.
She recounted that the vehicle was shipped by air, with an additional fee paid for delivery within a month. Her family tracked the package only to receive a consistent response: "You have to wait." Days later, the shipment was marked as "dispatched."
At the Aerovaradero facilities at Havana's José Martí Airport, they were informed that "the cargo was mistakenly dispatched to someone else." The only solution offered was the contact number of the person who received the product so the affected party could "resolve the issue."
The contacted individual, according to the report, responded that they had already sold the motorbike and did not have the funds to reimburse it. "Aerovaradero has done nothing but draft a report with the details, which has been utterly useless," the complainant noted.
This was not an isolated case. In 2021, it was revealed that there were pending deliveries from November 2019.
In 2022, another complaint surfaced about receiving an open package with items that did not belong to the recipient.
Ongoing Challenges for Cuban Citizens
The recently shared images from Santiago de Cuba once again highlight the deterioration of goods painstakingly sent from abroad.
In a nation where transportation and goods are persistently scarce, many of these motorcycles and vehicles represent significant investments for families.
However, the repeated complaints reveal a pattern of delays, improper storage, and a lack of solutions for "mistakes."
For users, the issue is not only the delay but also the anxiety caused by institutional neglect and the absence of effective means to address grievances against a state-run company that monopolizes the management of international cargo in Cuba.
Common Concerns About Aerovaradero's Operations
What responsibilities does Aerovaradero have in Cuba?
Aerovaradero is responsible for receiving, handling, storing, customs clearing, and delivering packages, including urgent and perishable cargo, at major Cuban airports.
Why is Aerovaradero frequently criticized?
Aerovaradero faces criticism for issues like disorganization, negligence, inefficient service, and lack of accountability, often resulting in delayed or mishandled deliveries and customer frustrations.
What actions have been taken against Aerovaradero for delivery issues?
Despite numerous complaints and reports of mishandled deliveries, there appears to be little effective action taken against Aerovaradero, with users often left without compensation or resolution.
How do users express their frustrations with Aerovaradero?
Users frequently take to social media platforms to share their grievances, highlighting issues like delays, improper storage, and a lack of effective response or accountability from Aerovaradero.