โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
100
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Antonio Maceo International Airport operates as eastern Cuba's primary aviation gateway and the second-largest airport in the country, serving Santiago de CubaโCuba's second-largest cityโpositioned 7 kilometers southwest of the city center since opening in 1954. Named after General Antonio Maceo, a hero of the Cuban War of Independence, this strategically important facility processes both domestic (80%) and international (20%) traffic, maintaining operations from 6 AM to midnight while serving as the essential transportation hub for southeastern Cuba's tourism and commercial activities.
The airport features dual runway infrastructure including the primary 4,002-meter Runway 10/28 and secondary 1,400-meter Runway 19/01, both measuring 45 meters in width, positioned at 76 meters elevation to accommodate diverse aircraft operations. Terminal facilities encompass a single passenger terminal with 12 aircraft stands utilizing mobile staircases rather than jetbridges, complemented by dedicated cargo terminal and comprehensive passenger services including equipment for travelers with reduced mobility, mother and child rooms, VIP lounge facilities, and basic dining options designed for transit passengers.
Operational services center on Cubana de Aviaciรณn and Euroairlines providing regular domestic connections to Havana's Josรฉ Martรญ International Airport via Embraer E190 and similar narrow-body aircraft, alongside seasonal international service to Madrid operating November through March. The facility serves as the gateway to eastern Cuba's all-inclusive coastal resorts stretching from Chivirico to Baconao, particularly during peak tourism season (December-April) when international charter operations supplement scheduled services.
Strategically positioned as the aviation hub for Cuba's historically significant southeastern region, Antonio Maceo International Airport supports access to Santiago de Cuba's rich cultural heritage including revolutionary history sites, Afro-Cuban cultural attractions, and Sierra Maestra mountain destinations, while maintaining critical connectivity to Havana and international markets through its role as eastern Cuba's principal commercial aviation facility operated by ECASA (Empresa Cubana de Aeropuertos y Servicios Aeronรกuticos S.A.).
๐ Connection Tips
Antonio Maceo International (SCU) serves Santiago de Cuba and is located about 15 minutes from the city center. Rental car desks for Cubacar and Rex are located in the arrivals area, but advance booking is essential For connection planning, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Mรกximo Gรณmez Airport, Leeward Point Field, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Cubana de Aviaciรณn, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Santiago de Cuba's time-saving link to the rest of Cuba.
The airport terminal closes nightly between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, so ensure your arrival or departure falls within operational hours Operationally, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Mรกximo Gรณmez Airport, Leeward Point Field, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Cubana de Aviaciรณn, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Santiago de Cuba's time-saving link to the rest of Cuba.
The airport terminal closes nightly between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, so ensure your arrival or departure falls within operational hours When delays ripple through the schedule, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Mรกximo Gรณmez Airport, Leeward Point Field, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Cubana de Aviaciรณn, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Santiago de Cuba's time-saving link to the rest of Cuba.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Carlos Manuel de Cรฉspedes Airport (BYM), also identified by its ICAO code MUBY, is a regional aviation facility serving the city of Bayamo in the Granma Province of Cuba. Located approximately five kilometers from the city center, the airport plays a vital role in connecting the southeastern region of the island with the capital, Havana, and other domestic destinations. It is named after Carlos Manuel de Cรฉspedes, a Cuban revolutionary hero, reflecting the cityโs rich historical significance.
The airport features a single-level terminal building constructed of reinforced concrete, designed to efficiently handle up to 140 passengers per hour. Within the terminal, travelers can find separate lounges for arrivals and departures, along with a cafeteria providing light refreshments and snacks. Additional amenities include a main waiting lounge, a protocol lounge for specialized services, and a dedicated information desk to assist passengers with their travel needs and local inquiries.
Operational infrastructure at BYM includes a 2,099-meter asphalt runway and two dedicated aircraft parking positions, primarily supporting domestic flights operated by Cubana de Aviaciรณn. The airport also provides essential services such as medical assistance, air cargo handling, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Ground transportation to Bayamo is readily available via taxis, local buses, and car rentals, making it a convenient gateway for visitors exploring the historic city and the nearby Sierra Maestra mountains.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Carlos Manuel de Cรฉspedes Airport (BYM) is a quintessential experience of travel in eastern Cuba, serving as the historic gateway to the Granma Province and the Sierra Maestra mountains. The primary air 'connection' is the domestic link from Havana (HAV) operated by Cubana de Aviaciรณn. A critical logistical tip: these flights typically utilize Havanaโs Terminal 1 (Domestic), not the international Terminal 3; ensure you allow at least 15 minutes for a taxi transfer between terminals if arriving from overseas. Because Cubanaโs schedule is notoriously irregularโoften only running twice weeklyโit is essential to reconfirm your flight status 24 hours in advance at their city office near the Royalton Hotel.
Upon arrival at BYM, the most unique and traditional 'onward connection' to the city center (4km away) is by horse-drawn carriage (*coche*). While standard taxis are available at the terminal, taking a carriage into the 'City of Carriages' is a scenic and inexpensive way to reach Parque Cรฉspedes. If you are heading into the Sierra Maestra for treks to Comandancia de la Plata, most tours depart from the nearby Hotel Sierra Maestra.
For travelers whose flights are cancelled, a common alternative is to connect via Holguรญn (HOG) or Santiago de Cuba (SCU) and then take a 2-hour Viazul bus or private taxi to Bayamo. A paramount tip for international visitors is to carry sufficient cash in Euros or USD to exchange for Cuban Pesos (CUP) at the on-site CADECA booth, as US-linked credit cards do not work in Cuba. Always maintain a flexible schedule, as the airport lacks digital information displays and operations are strictly limited to daylight hours due to the absence of modern runway lighting.
โ Back to Antonio Maceo International Airport