Following its suspension in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the air connection between Beijing and Havana has once again opened operations to restore direct travel between China and Cuba.
Announced by Air China in May, the new route – which includes a stopover in the Spanish city of Madrid – is expected to increase the tourism between the countries with Cuba being a priority destination to re-open due to popularity among travellers.
Still working towards tourism numbers prior to the pandemic, this direct route will provide much support with increasing tourism within the Caribbean Island, with its beautiful tropical landscapes proving a great attraction to travellers all over the globe.
The route, which originates from Beijing PEK, aboard a 293 seat 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, will carry sun-seeking travellers to the atmospheric capital of Havana, set to begin operations with two flights leaving onward from Madrid per week. This number is hoped to increase as the traveller traffic grows between the two countries, and the natural beauty on offer across the island has proved it as a highly desired travel destination for many.
The first flight since the re-opening of this air connection landed in May 2024 and the flight and passengers were welcomed by Cuban Prime Minister Manual Marrero, with passengers excited to have a direct link to the island once again. Since the announcement of the re-opening of the flight path, as well as a visa-free policy for Chinese passport holders, online travel searches for the Caribbean island have skyrocketed, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for travel between the two countries.
Is there a direct flight from China to Cuba?
Yes! Following the suspension of the air links during COVID, direct flights from Beijing PEK to Havana have once again resumed, as of May 2024. The flight (which takes approximately 24 hours including a stopover in the Spanish city of Madrid) is the only direct flight between China and Havana.
After stats indicating that the number of Chinese visitors visiting the country plummeted from 45,000 in 2019 to 18,000 in 2023, the re-opening of this direct flight path hopes to result in a promotion of travellers to the tropical island – supporting Cuba in its bid to reach 3.2 million international visitors in 2024.
Can I fly from the UK to Cuba on Air China?
Yes! Love Cuba can provide connections from the UK to Madrid that link onto this brand new service to Havana, speak to one of Love Cuba’s specialists.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com
