When Rossiya Airlines flight FV-6928 from Moscow was cancelled due to technical issues, 400 Russian tourists were left stranded in the Cuban resort town of Varadero. The incident occurred on the night of 4 March, and when the return flight was delayed, passengers were accommodated in hotels.
Flight Postponement and Backup Aircraft Dispatch
According to TourDom.ru, the flight was scheduled to depart on 4 March at 19:25 local time (03:25 Moscow time). However, due to detected malfunctions, the flight was first postponed to 19:00 on 5 March (03:00 Moscow time).
To resolve the issue, Rossiya Airlines dispatched a backup aircraft on the morning of 5 March, according to Flightradar data. While the plane made its way towards Cuba over the Atlantic Ocean, passengers were placed in hotels. The backup plane departed Varadero at 20:00 on 5 March and landed at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 15:47 on 6 March.
Western Sanctions Impacting Aviation Sector
Russian airlines face difficulties sourcing spare parts due to Western sanctions, leading to flight cancellations caused by technical failures. In January, a Rossiya Airlines Boeing 777-31H stranded 328 Russian tourists in Cuba for over 28 hours due to a turbine failure.
Impact on Russian Tourism
As a result of sanctions, international flights from Russia are rerouted to destinations without restrictions, such as Cuba, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. However, technical disruptions leave tourists stranded in popular holiday destinations like Cuba, negatively affecting the tourism industry.
FAQ: Stranded Russian Tourists in Cuba
Why were 400 Russian tourists stranded in Varadero?
Rossiya Airlines flight FV-6928 was cancelled due to technical malfunctions. Passengers returned to Moscow on a backup flight dispatched on 6 March.
What challenges do Russian airlines face?
Western sanctions make it difficult to procure spare parts for aircraft maintenance, causing flight cancellations and delays.
How do flight disruptions affect Cuban tourism?
Russian tourists represent a significant market for Cuban tourism. Flight cancellations and delays create dissatisfaction, negatively impacting the sector.
What steps are being taken to resolve the issues?
Russian airlines dispatch backup planes in the event of technical failures. Additionally, efforts are being made to arrange alternative fuel and spare parts supplies.
