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The Spanish airline World2Fly has resumed its direct flights from the Czech Republic to Santa Clara, marking the beginning of European operations at the Abel Santamaría International Airport in 2025.
The inaugural flight of this new phase of operations landed in Santa Clara last Saturday, February 1st, arriving from Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, with 281 passengers onboard.
According to information published by the station CMHW, World2Fly will operate this route every Saturday until March 29, ensuring a stable connection between both countries during the peak tourist season.
Léster Roberto Bello Véliz, general director of the airport, stated to Telecubanacán that this flight signifies the continuation of operations that began last year.
Additionally, they stated that the main destinations for passengers include Cayo Santa María, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and tourist areas in Santa Clara.
Belonging to the Iberostar Group, World2Fly has played a significant role in air connectivity between Europe and Cuba, particularly in the city of Santa Clara.
In October 2023, the company launched a direct route connecting Abel Santamaría International Airport with the capitals of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, transporting 450 passengers on an Airbus A350 on its inaugural flight.
However, in April 2024, World2Fly announced a strategic change in its operations, deciding to cease its flights from Prague to Santa Clara and redirect its operations to Holguín, in response to adjustments in demand and market strategies.
This decision was implemented starting in October 2024, when the airline launched direct flights from Prague to Frank País International Airport in Holguín, in collaboration with the Czech tour operator DER Touristik.
The return of World2Fly to Santa Clara comes at a time when several international airlines have decided to suspend or reduce their operations to Cuba, redirecting their routes to other destinations. These decisions are primarily due to a decrease in passenger demand and operational challenges on the island.
For example, the Swiss airline Edelweiss Air announced that it will cease operations to Cuba starting in March 2025, citing difficulties in ensuring stable operations at José Martí International Airport in Havana and a decline in demand.
Similarly, the German airline Condor announced that it will cease all operations to Cuba starting in May 2025, thereby eliminating the only direct air connection between Germany and the island.
This decision affects destinations such as Havana, Varadero, and Holguín, and is attributed to a decline in passenger demand and issues with local infrastructure in Cuba.
Similarly, the airline TUI, a leader in holiday travel in Europe, has definitively suspended its flights to the Cuban resort of Varadero from Amsterdam starting in May 2024, due to a lack of demand and the resulting absence of passengers.
Recently, the Spanish airline Iberia expressed its concern over the low profitability of its flights to Cuba, in contrast to the strong performance of its routes to the United States and Puerto Rico.
Frequently Asked Questions about World2Fly Flights to Cuba and the Tourism Situation
What has motivated World2Fly to resume flights between Prague and Santa Clara?
World2Fly has resumed flights between Prague and Santa Clara to reestablish a direct connection during the high tourism season. This decision comes at a time when several airlines have chosen to reduce or suspend their operations to Cuba due to low demand and operational issues on the island.
What are the main tourist destinations related to World2Fly flights to Santa Clara?
The main tourist destinations for passengers arriving on World2Fly flights to Santa Clara include Cayo Santa María, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and tourist areas of Santa Clara. These places are known for their natural and cultural attractions and are popular among tourists arriving from Europe.
How is the tourism crisis in Cuba affecting international airlines?
The tourism crisis in Cuba has led several international airlines to reduce or cancel their flights to the island. Infrastructure issues, low passenger demand, and operational challenges have been key factors in this decision. Airlines such as Edelweiss, Condor, and TUI have stopped operating routes to Cuba, reflecting a deterioration in the country's air connectivity.
What impact does the departure of airlines like Cóndor have on Cuba's air connectivity?
The departure of airlines such as Cóndor, which eliminated the only direct connection to Germany, significantly reduces the arrival of international tourists to Cuba. This decrease in air connectivity exacerbates the tourism crisis on the island, which faces fierce competition from other Caribbean destinations that offer better services and experiences for travelers.
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