The "Abel Santamaría" International Airport in Santa Clara has once again become a scene of endless waits and overcrowding, as evidenced by various videos shared by travelers on social media.
A TikTok user posted footage from inside the terminal, showing dozens of people waiting for their flights in a visibly cramped and congested area.
"This is what the Santa Clara airport in Cuba looked like," the video creator noted, prompting a flurry of comments from others who had similar experiences.
"I was there 5 years ago and I'm never going back," one commenter stated. Conversely, another traveler defended their decision to return to the island despite the chaos: "I've been there 3 times and I'm going back in January. Say what you will, but there are no beaches like Cuba's."
However, some comments highlighted the stark contrast between the tourists' experiences and the harsh reality faced by the Cuban population.
"It's hard to believe that just a few meters away, people have nothing to eat or access to medicines," one user remarked, referring to the ongoing crisis in the country marked by widespread shortages and constant blackouts.
The images reveal the inadequacy of the airport's infrastructure, which, despite being international, struggles to handle the influx of tourist flights, especially during peak season.
Meanwhile, Cuban authorities continue to promote foreign tourism as a key economic driver, even as millions of Cubans on the island endure dire circumstances characterized by a lack of food, medicine, and a steadily declining public service infrastructure.
Key Issues at Santa Clara Airport
What problems are travelers facing at Santa Clara Airport?
Travelers at Santa Clara Airport are experiencing long waits and overcrowded conditions, as the facility struggles to manage the volume of tourists, particularly during peak travel times.
How are Cuban authorities responding to these issues?
Cuban authorities continue to focus on promoting international tourism as a vital economic sector, despite the country's severe shortages and deteriorating public services impacting the local population.