Venezuelan state-owned airline Conviasa is preparing a new air connection that will strengthen ties between Russia and Latin America. Starting November 2, 2025, regular flights between St. Petersburg, Varadero, and Caracas will begin on a biweekly basis, according to Pulkovo Airport in Russia's second-largest city.
A new bridge between St. Petersburg, Varadero and Caracas
The trip will last approximately 13 hours and will be carried out on an Airbus A340-600 aircraft. This is one of the largest in the Venezuelan fleet. With this operation, Conviasa seeks to expand its international routes. It also consolidates its role as the flag carrier of the South American country and as one of the main air links between Russia and the Caribbean.
The route will directly connect St. Petersburg with Varadero, Cuba's main tourist destination, and Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. This is a strategic move that takes advantage of the so-called Fifth Freedom of the Air. This is a bilateral agreement that allows airlines to operate flights between two foreign countries with a stopover in a third.
Cuba, a key stopover in the Euro-Caribbean connection
The inclusion of Varadero in the itinerary is no coincidence. Cuba continues to be a key connection point for flights between Russia and South America, especially since the sanctions imposed by the European Union following the invasion of Ukraine. Since 2023, Conviasa has been operating flights between Moscow and Caracas with a stopover in Havana. It is now expanding its coverage to northern Russia, where there is strong tourist demand for warmer destinations.
For Cuban tourism, this new route means the possibility of attracting Russian visitors from another major city besides Moscow. This could benefit the local economy, especially the hotel sector in Varadero, which is experiencing a slow recovery.cupreaction after the pandemic.
Context and projections of the new route
The new service is part of the cooperation agreements between Russia and Venezuela, which have strengthened their trade, energy, and transportation ties in recent years. In this context, Cuba serves as a political and logistical bridge between the two countries, facilitating the mobility and exchange of passengers and goods.
Conviasa already has experience in long-haul flights. It operates between Caracas, Moscow, Tehran, and other capitals allied with the Venezuelan government. The extension of the route to St. Petersburg expands this air corridor, positioning the airline on a broader map of Eurasian connections.
Flights between St. Petersburg, Varadero, and Caracas are expected to continue every two weeks, with the possibility of increasing frequency depending on demand.
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