LATAM Airlines is set to enhance its international connectivity by reintroducing weekly service between Lima, Peru, and Havana, Cuba. The airline's announcement designates the capital of Cuba as its fifth destination in the Caribbean, planned to begin in April 2024.
According to data provided by the Cuban Ministry of Tourism, the airline will connect Havana with Lima, the capital of Peru, on a single weekly frequency. The chosen day for the flight is Saturday. With LATAM's extensive presence in Lima, passengers traveling from Cuba will have access to a plethora of connecting flights. The airline is optimistic that Brazilians will also appreciate the return of this route for leisure travel.
Lima serves as LATAM's secondary hub in the Americas, offering the possibility for a large portion of its customers traveling from other destinations to reach Havana with a stopover in the Peruvian capital. For example, this could be relevant to the Cuban community residing in Uruguay, Chile, or Argentina, given the recent cancellation of the direct flight between Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Havana, previously operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
The air distance between Lima and Havana is approximately 4,200 kilometres. A direct flight typically lasts around six to seven hours, depending on various factors such as the type of aircraft, weather conditions, and the specific route taken. This means that on average, a modern commercial aircraft travels at speeds of around 800 to 900 kilometres per hour.
LATAM Airlines, with a presence in Cuba since 2011, has served as a crucial air bridge between the largest of the Antilles and the South American continent. Prior to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline had transported over 90,000 passengers to and from Cuba, maintaining an occupancy rate of over 90%. The route was suspended in March 2020 due to the global halt in air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aline Mafra, Director of Sales and Marketing at LATAM Brazil, emphasised the airline's commitment to international connectivity through the reinstatement of this service: "No other airline offers Brazil such extensive global connectivity, with a network spanning over 140 destinations. We are thrilled to introduce another Caribbean destination that seamlessly integrates with our flights departing from the country. Undoubtedly, many Brazilians will consider this new option for their upcoming vacations."
The airline announced that the Lima-Havana route will resume in conjunction with the São Paulo/Guarulhos-Lima flights, creating a total travel time of 13 hours for Brazilians interested in visiting the Caribbean Island. With Havana's addition, LATAM will expand its Caribbean network to five destinations, joining existing flights to Cancún, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; San José, Costa Rica; and Aruba. Tickets for the Havana flights will be accessible on the airline's website in the coming days.
Headquartered in Chile, LATAM Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Latin America, operating flights to a vast number of destinations around the world. Its network spans not only the Americas and the Caribbean but also Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania, with a reach extending to 136 destinations in 24 countries.
All tourists planning to visit Cuba will be required to obtain a tourist card (visa) prior to their travels. This essential document can be conveniently obtained through the official provider website www.visacuba.com. By securing the tourist card in advance, international travellers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Cuba, allowing them to fully enjoy their Cuban adventures without any delays or complications.
