In a significant milestone for international travel, Air China has resumed air links between China and Cuba with the landing of its first flight in Havana on Friday. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner made a stopover in Madrid before touching down at José Martà International Airport, where it was greeted with a traditional water salute.
Initially operating two flights per week, Air China aims to increase the frequency as passenger traffic between the two nations grows. This revival of direct flights marks the end of a hiatus that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening a vital connection that had been dormant for several years.
Alongside the resumption of flights, Cuba has introduced a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists holding ordinary passports, effective from the same day. Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui highlighted that these developments are expected to boost Cuba's tourism industry, stimulate economic and social growth, and enhance people-to-people exchanges across the Latin American region.
The restoration of these air links and the new visa policy come at a time when Cuba is focusing on revitalizing its tourism sector and strengthening international partnerships. As China and Cuba rekindle their direct connections, the broader Latin American region stands to benefit from increased cultural and economic interactions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
