To Havana by Il-96

One of the last opportunities to fly long-haul on a Russian-built jet is with Cubana from Madrid to Havana. Daniel Johnston took an Il-96 to Cuba.

The Cubana Il-96-300, CU-T1250, which the author flew on.
Paul Harvey

With an influx of almost five million tourists per year, the Republic of Cuba receives a great many visitors, attracted by its miles of beaches, and to the various towns and cities across this vast island. Akin to a cultural time capsule, the streets of Havana feel unchanged from the romantic days when celebrities flocked here more than 60 years ago. Today there are still plenty of old classic cars on the street, the atmosphere of live music around every corner and, more recently, murals of fallen Cuban heroes, a reminder of the pride that exists within the country. The demand to visit Cuba means José Martí International Airport in Havana is kept busy with a wide variety of airlines from Europe and Russia, the Americas and southern Africa.

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