Flying on internal flights in Cuba?

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Flying on internal flights in Cuba? We need to travel from Holguin to Havana (approx 450 miles). I have heard that internal flights in Cuba are to be avoided on a safety basis. Does anyone have any experience flying Aerocaribbean or Cuban on internal fights? I am a nervous flyer!

I flew from Santiago de Chile to Playa de Baracoa [just outside Havana] a couple of years back on AEROGAVIOTA - an Antonov 24 or 26 - can't honestly remember which now. We did the journey safely, though when the back door flew open when we landed it was a bit off putting. There was on board service and safety announcements in English. The timing of the journey was hit and miss though...our flight was cancelled initially and then the replacement flight was put on specially for our group which was 12 hrs earlier which messed up the holiday a bit - but it was still much quicker than retracing our steps by road. So not the best of experiences, but have had worse in china!

I have flown Varadero to Havana on TACA back in 1998 on the smallest plane I have ever been in. There could not have been more than 10 seats. The flight was short - half an hour max - but fine. I don't know whether TACA flies between Havana and Holguin, but they're worth checking out. Good luck.

I flew with Aerogaviota from Baracoa to Cayo Largo del Sur a couple of years ago (ATR42-500 and Antonov 26). The cabin (especially that of the Antonov) was not in good condition (namely the seats) and drops of water fell from the ceiling, but those were the only problems I noticed. The flight back to Havana was cancelled due to a storm, but quickly rescheduled. Enjoy your stay in Cuba!

Almost all flights between Holguin & Havana utilise modern, ATR-42 aircraft so safety need no longer be a concern.

I flew Aerocaribbean a few years ago from Havana to Cayo Coca return. No problems at all. Plane was an ATR-42. Luggage retrieval was even quick!

Travelling 450 miles by air, even in Cuba, is far safer than the equivalent journey by road. My advice would be to choose a single sector flights, given that most incidents occur on take off and landing.

Did a Havana/Holguin round trip a few years ago. No problems at all as the plane was western (ATR-72). Flight was smooth and no problems encountered. If you are flying from Havana - Areocaribbean fly from a remote terminal (not the main one)