First direct flight from Beijing to Havana is enthusiastically welcomed

A Boeing 787-9 will be released next Friday Air China landed in Cuba with 116 passengers on board, marking the resumption of flights between them Havana And Beijing. The flight, including a technical stop, Madridwas greeted with extensive media attention José Martí International Airport.

Were present at the welcome ceremony Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez DávilaAnd Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos García Granda. The flight will operate twice a week during this first phase (Tuesday and Friday). However, Zhang XinAir China’s representative in Cuba, told Cubadebate that an increase in frequency is expected in the future.

“They have arrived to stay,” said Manuel Marrero Cruz, who described the resumption of flights between the two countries as a dream come true. In his welcome speech he thanked the Chinese president Xi Jinping and stressed that this air link is not an isolated action, but a sign of strengthening the historic ties between the two countries.

“I appreciate all of China’s cooperation during these times. This connection will facilitate exchanges between government and tourists. We will also ensure that the visa-free policy delivers results and promotes these exchanges. The next International Tourism Fair will be dedicated to China,” he explains.

He also underlined that the new flight marks a new era, showing that Cuba is not alone.

Juan Carlos Garcia GrandaCuba’s Minister of Tourism, announced that Presidential Decree 821 was published in the Official Gazette yesterday, formalizing the visa waiver for Chinese citizens and thus facilitating their visits to the island.

“This is a historic moment for commercial ties between both countries, creating limitless possibilities and laying the foundation for multi-destination travel. Cuba offers culture, history, heritage, events, health tourism, among others,” he specified.

Although ‘sun and beach tourism’ predominates on the island – which may not be of primary interest to Chinese tourists – the Ministry of Tourism has designed special offers related to historical, heritage and cultural themes. Tailor-made products and programs have been developed, with routes such as Viñales, the tobacco route, Trinidad and Havana as the “Wonder City”.

García Granda also expressed interest in expanding tourism ties with the introduction of new tour operators and online travel agencies. He gave a preview of the efforts to create a Union Pay system through Fincimex in the coming months, which will ease transactions for Chinese visitors and improve their travel experience.

Eduardo Rodríguez DávilaCuba’s Minister of Transport, commented on the opening of a new chapter in air connectivity between the People’s Republic of China and Caribbean and Latin American countries.

“The national airline, with its striking and recognizable red phoenix logo, symbolizes good omens, peace, happiness and a genuine opportunity to serve society. At the same time, it demonstrates its strength and ability to ensure the safety of operations,” he noted.

He recalled that this airline had been authorized in 2015 to operate regular passenger, cargo and mail flights between Cuba and China. That same year, the commercial office in Havana was established.

Rodríguez Dávila added that the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route is an excellent opportunity to connect not only the countries involved, but also other Asian and European countries served by this prestigious airline.

The cost for a one-way ticket from Havana to Madrid is $406 USD, while the round-trip price is $602 USD, both including carry-on luggage and two free checked bags, making it very competitive compared to other airlines.

For the Havana to Beijing flight, the one-way fare is $812 USD, including one carry-on bag and one checked bag. The round-trip fare from Havana to Beijing is $1350 USD, including carry-on luggage and one free checked bag.

Air China has been operating in Cuba since 2015, but its services were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.