The Colombian airline Avianca has announced the commencement of daily direct flights from Bogotá to Havana, starting December 16. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between Colombia and Cuba. The flights will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, accommodating up to 180 passengers, thus providing over 2,500 seats weekly on this route, which had been halted last June due to operational issues.
"We are thrilled to touch down in Havana by the end of this year with a new direct route that will allow millions of travelers to connect from around the world with Havana's rich history, cuisine, and culture through Bogotá," stated David Alemán, Avianca's Sales Director for Colombia and South America, as quoted by Cuba's state-controlled news agency, Prensa Latina.
According to the schedule, the AV54 flight from Bogotá to Havana will depart at 12:35 PM, arriving at 4:00 PM; conversely, the AV55 flight from Havana to Bogotá will leave at 5:10 PM, reaching the Colombian capital at 8:25 PM. Tickets are currently available on Avianca's website, mobile app, sales points, and travel agencies, as mentioned in their official statement.
Initially, Avianca had planned to restart flights from Havana on July 2 with six weekly frequencies, utilizing the same Airbus A320 aircraft and offering more than 2,100 seats weekly. However, in June, the airline suspended these plans, advising customers with purchased tickets to request a refund. This decision caused significant disruption in Cuba, leaving numerous families stranded after selling their possessions in the hope of leaving the country.