Rutaca Airlines Resumes Flights to Cuba

Rutaca Airlines, a Venezuelan carrier, resumed its operations to Cuba today, arriving at Havana's José Martí International Airport. The international travel group Havanatur S.A. served as the ground handler for the flight.

The airline will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, departing from Valencia in Carabobo State and flying nonstop to Havana. The journey takes approximately three and a half hours.

This air connection is the result of a partnership between Alba Tours and the Havanatur Group. The renewed service is expected to strengthen ties between the two destinations. It offers travelers the opportunity to explore Cuba through tour packages that include short stays in Havana, Viñales, and Varadero, as well as extended programs designed for longer visits.

Yoelkis Salazar Rivery, general director of Havanatur, told the Cuban News Agency that the inaugural flight, operated by aircraft 5R-2232, carried a significant number of travel agents. Their primary goal is to promote Cuban culture among Venezuelan visitors and to support the growth of commercial relations between the countries.

Salazar emphasized that this renewed connection will boost not only tourism, but also other sectors including industry, event participation, and the promotion of multi-destination tourism within member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP). Future connections could extend to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Carlos Villegas, director of business relations for Rutaca Airlines, expressed his satisfaction with the operation, calling it the culmination of important collaborative efforts. He noted that Valencia's role as a departure point is key due to its decentralized operations and its large surrounding population, which includes the states of Aragua, Miranda, Guárico, Carabobo, Cojedes, Yaracuy, and Barinas.

Yorman Palacios, commercial director and board representative for Rutaca Airlines, highlighted Valencia’s strategic location in the center of Venezuela, projecting it as a growing aviation hub.

“We aim to take full advantage of the tourism potential in both Venezuela and Cuba, as well as the many possible air connections. That is why we are here, to explore this wonderful country,” Palacios concluded.