The Spanish influencer with Cuban roots, Ainara Quesada, set social media ablaze after posting a short video criticizing the conditions at Havana's José Martí International Airport.
The video, which quickly went viral on TikTok, garnered thousands of likes and a flood of comments supporting Ainara's claims: the main gateway to Cuba's capital is now synonymous with chaos, theft, and unbearable bureaucracy.
In her post, Ainara simply shared images of the terminal, but that alone sparked a wave of criticism from her followers.
Travelers to Cuba have complained about the discomfort upon arriving at a place plagued by bureaucratic red tape, slow service, and technical deficiencies, coupled with corrupt practices.
The initial welcome to the country—which should be the first pleasant image for tourists—is instead a harrowing experience.
Feedback and grievances following her video highlight ongoing issues: missing or delayed luggage, employees demanding payment for expedited departures, long lines at migration, power outages, and a stifling atmosphere due to the heat.
Among the reactions to Ainara's video, many users shared that losing luggage at Havana's airport is nearly routine, with some employees expecting "incentives" in dollars to speed up the process.
Some admitted feeling genuine fear before traveling.
"Literally, 'the trauma of my life,' but being with family makes it all worth it," one young woman expressed.
Others asked the influencer if anything had been stolen from her this time. "Last time, they took my tuna," another revealed.
There were also stories of two-hour waits to retrieve luggage, followed by unnecessary stops at the exit control. The anxiety, they said, is mounting because instead of improving, processes have become slower over time.
Some pointed out to Ainara that, at least during her visit, there was electricity and the conveyor belts were operational, which wasn't the case for others who experienced total system failures.
Comments ranged from personal anecdotes to more serious allegations, which many see as a symptom of an institutional system unable to manage or rectify its deficiencies.
Spanish Influencer's Cuban Connection
Ainara, who is active on social media mixing personal stories with entertainment content, explained in other posts her emotional connection to the island: after twelve years without visiting Cuba, her return in 2024 made her feel, for the first time, a profound connection to her Cuban heritage.
"The connection I felt was like nothing I'd ever experienced before; for the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere," she confessed.
Common Issues at Havana's José Martí Airport
What are the common problems travelers face at Havana's airport?
Travelers frequently report missing or delayed luggage, long wait times, employees expecting bribes for expedited service, power outages, and a generally uncomfortable environment.
How did Ainara Quesada's video impact social media?
Ainara's video went viral on TikTok, receiving thousands of likes and numerous comments echoing her criticisms of the airport, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among travelers.