Aeroflot has resumed direct flights between Moscow and Cuba. The inaugural flight departed 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 avoid the airspace of Western countries, which imposed restrictions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the flight followed an alternative route. The flight was operated by Rossiya Airlines and a Boeing 777-300ER (RA-73277) aircraft was used. This particular aircraft, which is 16 years old, was previously leased from AerCap and re-registered in April 2022. It is probably one of the aircraft confiscated by Russia following the restrictions imposed by the West.
Cuba remains a key partner for Russia in the Central American region. It is also an affordable and visa-free holiday destination for Russian citizens, according to the airline.
The flight schedule will consist of two weekly frequencies, with flights departing from Moscow every Thursday and Saturday. The first flight operated between Russia and Cuba dates back to 1962, at that time a TU-114 aircraft was used.
We remind you that Russian air operators suspended flights to Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic on February 28, 2022, four days after the outbreak of war.