CAYO LARGO — Following yesterday’s news of Cayo Largo airport’s temporary closure, Hola Sun Holidays, a leader in Cuba holidays, is updating travel agents and travellers on latest developments.

Speaking with Travelweek, Hugo Rocha, Hola Sun Holidays’ Sales Director, says that the company has been “working diligently” with Air Transat and Cuban authorities on a repatriation plan for clients currently in destination.

Passengers previously scheduled to return Feb. 16 Cayo Largo-Toronto were transferred to the mainland by ferry, and are now back in Canada.

All remaining Hola Sun & Caribe Sol passengers in Cayo Largo are scheduled to travel to the mainland by ferry on Feb. 21.

Passengers scheduled to return Cayo Largo-Montreal Feb. 21 will be transferred from the ferry terminal directly to Jose Marti airport and will fly Havana-Montreal overnight, Feb. 21-22.

Passengers scheduled to return Cayo Largo-Toronto Feb. 23 will be transferred by motor coach from the ferry terminal to Varadero, where they will receive accommodation at an all-inclusive hotel for the remainder of their stay. They will return Varadero-Toronto, Feb. 23.

“Passengers should check the reception areas of their respective Cayo Largo hotels for the finalized repatriation details, and can contact our local ground handler, who will be happy to assist,” he says.

The Canadian Embassy in Cuba broke news yesterday of the unexpected temporary closure of Cayo Largo del Sur airport. Transat confirmed with Travelweek that the closure is due to a damaged runway.

The estimated reopening date is Feb. 26. The embassy is encouraging travellers to call +53-7204-2516 or +53-7204-2517 for assistance.