GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
CUBA
Havana – Feb 2017
LANDSIDE
Terminal 1 Domestic – Upstairs used to have windows overlooking the ramp but they have taped them up. It is still possible to see through small cracks in the tape and also on the right side where a small strip still gives a small view. At the top of one of the windows on the right side is a small gap allowing an ok view. It will at least allow you to read some stuff with your eyes as they park close by on the ramp.
Terminal 3 International – From either side of the terminal its possible to see whats on the stands as well as get views of some of the parked aircraft. Anything on the runway can also be seen. There is a pavement so you can walk down the ramp a little to get better views and many locals where also watching the planes. I had no problems stood here taking photos for a couple of hours.
AIRSIDE
Terminal 1 had no views so as bad as the views are from landside, thats all you have.
Terminal 3 had good views and all movements should be seen. Not good for photos though.
A left seat for arrival and right for departure will give you the best chance of seeing the parked aircraft and stuff by the hangers.
HOTELS
None at the airport
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not the busiest so check timetables to make the best use of time. Most domestic departures go from about 530-730 with 5 or 6 Cubana flights.
Aerogaviota operate from another airport performing mostly tourist charter flights to the resorts. So if you want to see them you will have to book a domestic flight to one of the hotels. Apparently they pick you up from your hotel early morning and take you to the airport for your flight. They don’t have actual schedules by the sound of it. They still operate AN26s on some of these flights. 1 Aerogaviota ATR was seen at the main airport.
Cubana have several international flights but most are operated by leased A320s. Only 3 AN158s where seen flying with the other 3 parked in the hanger. 3 T204s, 2 Il96s and an IL62 where also parked out of use. 4 Aerocaribbean ATRs and 4 E110s are also stored.
Tip – A tourist card is required for Cuba. If you travel via Mexico they can be purchased at check in for $25.
Even though there are direct flights from the US now, its not possible to purchase them for tourist reasons. A legitimate reason is required such as Business, Study, Family etc.
If you want to change money on arrival, use the exchange places on the departures level as they tend to have no queues. Taxis to the city should charge you 25CUCs which is about $26.
Santiago de Cuba – 2017
Nothing to be seen at the airport but to the east of the city in Parque de Los Suenos is a Yak 42 preserved as an attraction. It still carries previous reg UR-CFA.
