โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kawama Airport serves Santa Marta in Cuba.
๐ Connection Tips
Kawama Airport served as Varadero's original international gateway before being superseded by Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport in 1989, now operating primarily for general aviation and specialized tourism services. Located 10 kilometers west of Varadero in Santa Marta, the facility features a single runway (6/24) supporting limited state-controlled aviation activities. Aerogaviota operates helicopter services including Mil Mi-8 flights for sightseeing tours to Valle de Viรฑales and regional transport. Charter flights require coordination with Cuban aviation authorities due to strict state-controlled aviation regulations prohibiting independent private flying. The airport experiences chronic fuel shortages and infrastructure constraints typical of Cuban civil aviation. Facilities are minimal with basic services - bring cash as card payments are unreliable, and the small cafรฉ has limited hours. Ground transportation to Varadero resorts requires pre-arranged pickup through tour operators or state-affiliated taxi services. International visitors using private charters must coordinate with Cuban officials for customs and immigration procedures. Weather disruptions during Caribbean hurricane season (June-November) can significantly impact operations. The facility primarily serves tourism support, pilot training, and ad hoc charters rather than regular scheduled service. Recreational aviation remains highly restricted under Cuba's aviation framework. The facility operates under standard aviation regulations with appropriate safety equipment and emergency procedures in place. Weather conditions and seasonal variations affect flight operations, requiring passengers to check current flight status and weather forecasts before travel. Ground handling services coordinate aircraft operations, passenger processing, and baggage management according to international aviation standards. Emergency medical services maintain readiness for passenger and crew medical situations, coordinating with local healthcare facilities when necessary. Security protocols follow national aviation security requirements, with screening procedures and restricted area access controls implemented according to regulatory standards.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Las Brujas Airport (BWW) is a critical regional aviation facility serving the idyllic resort islands of Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Santa Marรญa in the Villa Clara Province of Cuba. Situated on the northern coast of the main island, the airport provides a vital transportation node for the regionโs thriving luxury tourism sector. It serves as a primary aerial gateway for international visitors wishing to bypass the long overland journey from Havana or Santa Clara, connecting the pristine beaches of the "Jardines del Rey" archipelago with the national capital.
The airport operates through a single, minimalist passenger terminal building designed for functional efficiency and ease of transit. The facility is intelligently organized into two main halls: one dedicated to departures and check-in, and another for arrivals and baggage claim. This compact layout is a significant advantage for travelers, ensuring that all essential services are within short walking distance and allowing for rapid processing from the aircraft to the main exit. The terminalโs design reflects the rustic and tropical character of the surrounding cays, providing a welcoming entry point for nature enthusiasts and sun-seekers.
Inside the terminal, passengers have access to essential amenities tailored to the needs of leisure travelers. The facility hosts basic check-in counters, a sheltered waiting hall, and a small refreshment kiosk serving local Cuban coffee and light snacks. While the airport does not manage high volumes of regular scheduled commercial traffic, it is a vital node for seasonal charter operations and weekly domestic flights from Havanaโs Josรฉ Martรญ International Airport. The airfield features a well-maintained 1,803-meter asphalt runway designated 09/27, which is engineered to support the ATR and other turboprop aircraft commonly used for island transit.
Ground transportation at BWW is well-integrated with the local resort infrastructure, with most hotels providing pre-arranged shuttle transfers directly from the arrivals hall. The airport is conveniently located just a short three-to-five-kilometer drive from the major resorts on Cayo Las Brujas and approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the expansive hotel developments on Cayo Santa Marรญa via the Pedrapรฉn causeway. While there are no professional international car rental agencies directly at the airfield, official taxis are readily available outside the main exit. Travelers are encouraged to coordinate their onward transportation in advance, as visitor amenities within the immediate airport perimeter are limited to basic restroom facilities.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Las Brujas Airport (BWW) serves as the primary domestic link for travelers heading to the luxury resort enclaves of Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos, and Cayo Santa Marรญa. Most passengers arrive via domestic Aerogaviota flights from Havana or private charters. Upon arrival, the 'connection' to your final resort is handled by taxi or pre-arranged hotel shuttle. Since the airport is located on the first of the three main islands, transfers are relatively short; however, Cayo Santa Marรญa is the furthest, approximately 10โ20 km away. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and it is essential to agree on a priceโtypically $10โ$20 USDโbefore departing. If you have booked an all-inclusive package, look for your tour operatorโs representative in the arrivals hall for your pre-paid transfer.
A unique aspect of the local connection is the 'Jardin del Rey' double-decker bus, which circulates between the hotels and tourist plazas for a flat daily fee of ~$5 USD. This is an excellent way to explore the different cayos during your stay, though it is not ideal for luggage-heavy airport transfers. If you are using a rental car, be aware of the 48 km Pedraplรฉn (causeway) that connects the islands to the mainland city of Caibariรฉn. There is a $2 USD toll at the start of the causeway, and you must have your passport and hotel reservation ready for inspection at the security checkpoint. For currency, while the local CUP exists, services like taxis and tolls heavily prefer USD, EUR, or CAD in small bills. Finally, if your flight to BWW is rerouted due to weatherโa common occurrenceโyou will likely land at Santa Clara (SNU), requiring a 90-minute taxi journey across the causeway to reach the islands.
โ Back to Kawama Airport