The ongoing cancellation of Air China flights between Madrid and Havana continues to provoke complaints from Cuban passengers. These travelers now face additional burdens: purchasing alternative tickets, dealing with luggage that fails to arrive, and leaving families in Cuba without the food and medicines they desperately need.
Comments from affected individuals have surfaced on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, shared by Rosy López, known as Roselynn Lu, who highlighted the distress of numerous travelers impacted by these flight disruptions.
"My family in Cuba was waiting, hoping to receive medications and food—items that are essential and hard to find there," lamented one user.
This passenger criticized the apparent lack of empathy from the airline, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond mere travel inconveniences.
"It's not just about a flight or luggage; it's about fulfilling needs, expressing love for family, and the hope of assisting our loved ones," she expressed.
Travelers Forced to Find Alternative Routes
Another traveler recounted their ordeal. Scheduled to return to Spain from Cuba on October 7, they ended up purchasing a new ticket with Air Europa to fly on October 10.
Their itinerary included connections to Tenerife and La Palma in the Canary Islands, complicating the journey even further.
"I'm going to file a lawsuit now," declared the passenger, noting they had to pay again to complete their trip.
Others affected by the cancellations were reportedly given a new departure date of October 18.
Even those who managed to reach Cuba faced challenges. On Instagram, a user reported waiting eight days for their luggage after their flight was rescheduled.
"I arrived in Cuba on the 3rd, and my bags are still in Madrid," another traveler complained.
New Cancellations Announced for October 14
Complaints have also been raised by passengers with bookings for October 14.
"I purchased a ticket five months ago for October 14, and it was canceled yesterday. I'm still waiting for a response," wrote one user on Instagram.
Another individual mentioned having bought a ticket for the same date back in May.
These accounts align with the complaint from Cuban Laura Díaz, who explained that her mother paid 1,200 euros for a flight with three suitcases from Madrid to Havana on October 14, only to receive an email about the cancellation.
According to Díaz, the only option offered was to wait up to 15 days for another flight.
"We Have Neither the Money Nor a Solution"
In a video, Rosy López captured tense scenes at an airport, where she claimed to have waited from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. without receiving any satisfactory answers.
She reported that over 200 people were waiting without success in getting their claim forms signed or stamped.
"They don't want to sign our claim forms; they refuse to stamp anything," she asserted.
Responding to a later comment, López confirmed, "As of now, we have neither the money nor a solution."
Another passenger shared on TikTok that after being moved to a hotel in Alicante, they were told to return to Madrid, still without a clear departure date.
These grievances add to those previously reported by CiberCuba about lengthy waits, hotel transfers, and passengers stranded at both ends of the route.
The Chinese Embassy in Cuba recently acknowledged that flights CA865 and CA866 are undergoing frequent changes and temporary cancellations due to "technical reasons," without specifying when the service would return to normal.
Meanwhile, affected travelers continue to demand information, alternative transportation options, and answers regarding the additional expenses incurred due to the cancellations.
FAQs About Air China Flight Cancellations
What are the main issues faced by travelers due to Air China cancellations?
Travelers are experiencing extra expenses for alternative tickets, unarrived luggage, and the inability to deliver crucial food and medicines to family in Cuba.
How are passengers responding to the flight cancellations?
Many passengers are expressing frustration on social media, sharing their experiences and considering legal actions against the airline.
What has the Chinese Embassy in Cuba said about the situation?
The embassy has stated that the cancellations are due to "technical reasons" but has not provided a timeline for when services will return to normal.