Over 300 Russian tourists found themselves stranded in Cuba for more than 28 hours due to a technical issue with a turbine on a Boeing 777-31H aircraft operated by Rossiya Airlines. The flight, scheduled for departure from Havana to Moscow on Monday, encountered a series of delays, causing frustration among the passengers.
Initially, the takeoff was postponed for technical reasons, as reported by the RIA Novosti agency. The passengers boarded the plane, only to endure a four-hour wait before being evacuated without a clear explanation. Later, the airline disclosed that the plane’s turbine was experiencing issues, prompting maintenance work on the affected area for about an hour.
Once the problem was resolved, it was determined that the crew had surpassed their working hours, necessitating another delay. Additionally, the onset of nightfall prevented the loading of food supplies on board, according to the airline's statement. During the wait, passengers were moved to a hotel, although some took to social media to express their dissatisfaction over the lack of information from the airline and the limited provision of water and food at José Martí International Airport.
Ultimately, the airline scheduled the flight to depart on January 21, after 9:00 p.m. Moscow time. This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Russian airlines over the past year, exacerbated by the shortage of aircraft and spare parts due to Western sanctions.
Currently, most Russian international flights are directed to destinations that haven’t imposed restrictions on Moscow, such as Cuba, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Flight Delays
What caused the delay for Rossiya Airlines' flight from Cuba to Moscow?
The delay was caused by a technical issue with the aircraft's turbine, which required maintenance. Additionally, the crew had exceeded their working hours, necessitating a further delay.
How did passengers react to the delays in Cuba?
Passengers expressed frustration, particularly due to the lack of clear communication from Rossiya Airlines and the limited availability of food and water at the airport.
What destinations are primarily served by Russian international flights currently?
Russian international flights are mainly focused on destinations like Cuba, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, which have not imposed restrictions on Russia.