Direct flights between Moscow and Havana have been reinstated, bolstering relations and improving travel accessibility. The inaugural Russian flight was celebrated with the attendance of Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, the Minister of Tourism for Cuba, Victor Koronelli, the Russian Ambassador to Cuba, and Nana Mgeladze, the Russian Consul General in Havana. The officials from Cuba’s civil aviation and tourism sectors were also present at the event.

According to Russian Ambassador to Cuba, although there was a break in air travel in recent times, there are currently three nonstop flights per week from Moscow to the well-known Varadero resort. The reintroduction of direct flights connecting Moscow and Havana offers citizens a convenient and direct pathway, further enhancing travel between the two countries.

Ambassador Coronelli emphasized the strong interest in these flights, confirming their popularity among both Russian and Cuban travelers. The reintroduction of direct flights demonstrates a renewed dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, extending beyond diplomatic circles to the people of both nations.

Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, the Cuban tourism chief, emphasized the significant contribution made by Russian tourism to the Cuban industry throughout the years. He pointed out that Russia, previously the fourth-largest tourist market for Cuba, has now risen to become the third-largest. Given this, Granda stressed the need to increase the number of flights from Russia, recognizing it as a strategic step towards further growth and sustainability of Cuba’s flourishing tourism sector.

The resumption of nonstop flights connecting Moscow and Havana represents a favorable advancement in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Russia and Cuba. With Russian tourism playing a more significant role in Cuba’s economy, this partnership in air travel is expected to make a substantial contribution to the expansion and liveliness of the tourism sector in both countries.

Aeroflot, the national airline of Russia, now offers nonstop flights from Moscow to José Martí International Airport in Havana, which is situated 11 miles (18 kilometers) away from the city center. The flight duration is approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.