As a consequence of new coercive, unilateral economic measures against Cuba, announced by the United States government on October 18, civil aviation has been seriously affected, in particular Cubana Airlines.
Arsenio Arocha Elias-Moisés, deputy director of Cubana de Aviacion, said that these measures are part of the tightening and new aggressiveness of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade, imposed on our country for almost 60 years.
He said that the measures have as a consequence “the aggravation of economic damages, and cause breaches of commercial contracts, leading to dissatisfaction among our passengers, with the consequent impact on the image of Cuban companies,” he said.
He reported that Cubana de Aviacion has been notified by leasing companies in third countries of the cessation of previously signed lease agreements, causing the cancellation of international flights to the destinations of Santo Domingo, Mexico, Cancun, Caracas, Port-au-Prince, Fort de France, and Point de Pitre.
The impact is also felt in domestic transportation, since some national routes must be readjusted, at the moment limited to Holguín and Santiago de Cuba.
The deputy director explained that studies have been conducted to determine how best to rearrange itineraries to minimize the impact, and that further information will be released in a timely manner.He conveyed an apology from the company for any inconvenience caused as a result of the new measures imposed by the U.S. government, and reiterated that despite the aggressive escalation, the airline will seek appropriate solutions to continue providing its services.
He added that passengers affected by the cancellation of flights will be reimbursed the full value of their tickets at commercial offices.The manager emphasized, “Through December 31, it is estimated that 40,000 potential passengers will not be transported, and income of ten million CUC will be lost, impacting the company economically.”
(Granma)