Aeroflot has resumed direct flights between Moscow and Cuba. The inaugural flight departed from Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) in Moscow, Russia, on July 1, 2023, and arrived in the popular Cuban tourist destination of Varadero (VRA) thirteen hours later.
To bypass the airspace of Western countries that had imposed restrictions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the flight followed an alternative path.
Operated by Rossiya Airlines, the flight utilized a wide-body Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft registered as RA-73277. This specific aircraft, which is 16 years old and was previously leased from AerCap, underwent re-registration in April 2022.
Cuba holds strategic importance as a key partner for Russia in the Central American region. It is also an affordable and visa-free vacation destination for Russian citizens, according to the airline.
The renewed flight schedule will consist of two weekly operations, with flights departing on Thursdays and Saturdays.
It is worth noting that Aeroflot’s first regular flight to Havana dates back to 1962, utilizing the Tu-114 aircraft.
On February 28, 2022, Russian airlines suspended flights to Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, four days after the commencement of the invasion of Ukraine.