Frank Pais Airport

Frank País Airport is not merely an air gateway to the Holguín province, but the true beginning of your Cuban adventure. Located in the picturesque eastern part of Cuba, it welcomes travellers with an atmosphere of tropical hospitality. Named after the revolutionary Frank País, this airport was initially a military facility but began serving civil flights in 1966, becoming a key transport hub for tourists heading to the famous beaches of Guardalavaca and other resorts in the region. The modern international terminal was built in 1996 and significantly expanded in 2007 for the convenience of guests from all over the world.

Frank País Airport consists of two terminals — international and domestic. The International Terminal offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait: here you will find duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange points, and car rental offices. For those who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. A unique feature of the airport is that boarding and disembarking are conducted using mobile stairs, allowing you to fully experience the warm climate of Cuba immediately after stepping out of the plane. Thanks to its strategic location, the airport is an ideal starting point for travelling through the eastern provinces of the island.

• Official Website: At the time of the last update, the most current information can be found on the website www.holguin.airport.cu.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at: +53 24 474630 or +53 24 462512.
• Airport Address: Carretera Central, Vía Bayamo, km 15, Holguín, Cuba.
• Email: A direct email address for general passenger inquiries is usually not published. For commercial inquiries, you can use jcomercial@hog.ecasa.avianet.cu. For other questions, it is recommended to use the telephone or contact forms on the website.
• Social Media: Official social media pages for the airport may be absent or not updated regularly. We recommend checking information on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport directly. Airport staff can guide you to the office of the carrier you need.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information, please use the information desk numbers. For questions related to bookings, tickets, flight schedules, or special assistance, you must contact your airline directly.

Getting to Frank País Airport (HOG) from the city of Holguín or nearby resorts is quite simple. The air harbour is located just 13 kilometres south of the city centre, and the journey usually does not take much time. The main methods are taxi, transfer, or rental car.

The most popular and convenient option is a taxi. The trip from the centre of Holguín to the airport takes approximately 20–30 minutes. It is strongly recommended to use official state taxis (usually modern yellow cars) and be sure to agree on the fare in advance, before getting into the car. This is the most reliable way to avoid misunderstandings and reach the terminal on time.

Many hotels and travel companies offer a pre-booked transfer service. This is an excellent choice for those travelling with a lot of luggage, with family, or simply wishing to avoid unnecessary hassle. The driver will meet you at the designated location and deliver you directly to the entrance of the departure zone. Although this may be slightly more expensive than a regular taxi, the convenience and peace of mind often justify the price difference.

If you have travelled around Cuba in a rental car, you can return it directly at the airport — there are representatives of major rental agencies here. This allows you to plan your route with maximum flexibility on the last day of your holiday. There is a parking lot near the terminal where you can leave the car for a short or long period.

As for public transport, theoretically, one can reach the airport on local buses ("guaguas"), but for tourists, this is an extremely impractical option. They do not have a clear schedule, are often overcrowded, and are not designed for transporting luggage. This method is suitable only for the most budget-conscious and adventurous travellers who have plenty of time to spare.

Frank País Airport (HOG), serving the popular resort city of Holguín and the entire eastern part of Cuba, has a simple and clear structure consisting of two main terminals. This makes navigation quite easy even for those arriving here for the first time.

International Terminal — this is the main airport building where the majority of tourists arrive. All international flights are serviced here. The terminal is a two-storey building:

• Ground Floor — Arrivals area. Here you will find passport control counters, baggage claim belts, and the customs zone. After completing formalities, you enter the general hall where tour operator offices, currency exchange points, and car rental desks are located.
• Upper Floor — Departures area. Here you will find check-in counters, the security checkpoint, and passport control. In the "secure zone," there is a small Duty-Free shop, several cafes, and a waiting lounge.

National Terminal (Domestic Terminal) — this is a small, separate building designed to service domestic flights within Cuba. It is significantly smaller and simpler than the international one, with a minimal set of services. The terminals are within a few minutes' walk of each other, so moving between them is not difficult.

Despite the compact size of the airport, it is worth allocating enough time to go through all formalities. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before the departure of an international flight. Sometimes queues for check-in or passport control can move slowly. In general, navigation through the airport is intuitively clear, there are signs everywhere, and the staff is always ready to help, although knowledge of basic Spanish phrases will be highly useful.

The history of Frank País Airport (HOG), serving the city of Holguín and the entire eastern region of Cuba, is closely linked to the development of tourism in the country. Initially, the facility functioned as a military airbase, but with the growing popularity of Cuban resorts, an acute need arose for a modern air gateway to receive international flights.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1996, when the new international terminal was ceremoniously opened. This event marked the beginning of a new era for tourism in the Holguín province, opening direct access to the famous Guardalavaca beaches for travellers from Canada and Europe. The old terminal was repurposed to serve domestic flights.

The next significant stage of modernisation occurred in 2007. As part of a large-scale reconstruction, the terminal area was significantly expanded, new telescopic bridges were installed, and the number of check-in and passport control counters was increased. These improvements allowed the airport to cope with constantly growing passenger traffic and improve service quality, securing its status as one of the most important and busiest airports in Cuba after Havana and Varadero.

An interesting fact: the airport is named after Frank País, a young leader of the Cuban revolutionary underground and organiser of urban resistance. Thus, the air harbour not only serves as an important transport hub but also stands as a monument to one of the national heroes of Cuba, whose life was closely connected with the eastern region of the country.

Frank País Airport (HOG) in Holguín offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey through Cuba. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well thought out and equipped.

Before departure or after arrival, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or bars offering light bites, sandwiches, and drinks, including famous Cuban coffee and local beverages. In the departure zone, a Duty Free shop operates, where you can buy cigars, souvenirs, and local delicacies at attractive prices.

For those who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. Its guests can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks. Internet access (Wi-Fi) is provided through the purchase of cards from the local operator ETECSA. The number of charging stations for gadgets is limited, so we advise bringing a portable power bank.

The airport operates a currency exchange point (CADECA), where major world currencies can be exchanged. A 24-hour medical point is also available to passengers. For travellers with reduced mobility, ramps, special restrooms, and staff assistance are provided, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. Families with children can use the mother and child room.

There are no specialised business centres or conference halls in the airport. Hotels are also absent on the airport territory; however, many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Holguín or at the province's resorts.

Frank País Airport (HOG) in Holguín offers passengers basic but convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. It is important to understand that this is a small regional airport, so the choice of establishments here is not as wide as in major international hubs, but you will not go hungry.

The main food outlets are located in the main terminal. Before passing security control (landside), a small cafe usually operates where you can drink coffee and eat a sandwich. The main part of the establishments is located in the departure zone (airside), after passport and customs control. Here you will find several snack bars and small cafes offering a more varied menu.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Cuba one last time. Be sure to try real Cuban coffee — strong and aromatic. A classic choice for a hearty snack is the famous Cubano sandwich containing roasted meat, ham, and cheese. In the bars, you can also order local refreshing drinks.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, people with gluten intolerance) are recommended to carry their own snacks. Specialised dishes are extremely rare in the menu, although simple vegetarian options, for example, a cheese sandwich, can usually be found. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, especially international ones, so they are open to serve passengers before departure.

For a quick snack, coffee and pastries are ideal. If you have time for a more substantial lunch, the best choice would be a hot sandwich or a set meal in one of the cafes in the departure zone. This will allow you to wait comfortably for boarding, enjoying your final moments on Cuban soil.

Travelling through Frank País Airport in the city of Holguín will be easier and more pleasant if you prepare for its features in advance. Here are a few tips to help you orient yourself and avoid unnecessary stress during your trip to Cuba.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. The check-in and screening processes here may take longer than you are used to, so extra time will not go amiss. Keep your passport, flight ticket, and tourist card (visa tarjeta) ready — this will speed up the formalities.

Hand Luggage and Baggage: Standard rules for carrying liquids (no more than 100 ml in one container) and sharp objects apply here as well. Important nuance: when departing from Cuba, there are restrictions on the export of cigars and local beverages. To export more than 50 cigars, an official receipt from the shop will be required. Carrying rare souvenirs (for example, black coral) or art objects may require a special permit.

Customs Control: Upon arrival, be prepared to present a return ticket and proof of accommodation booking. It is also a mandatory requirement to have medical insurance covering COVID-19 treatment. Customs officers may selectively inspect luggage. Upon departure, declare expensive souvenirs and have receipts for their purchase with you.

Saving Time and Money: To save time, check in for your flight online if possible. Prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs at the airport are significantly higher than in the city, so it is better to have a snack beforehand. It is worth exchanging currency at official CADECA points in the airport, but it is better to exchange only a small amount for initial expenses, and the main amount in the city at a more favourable rate.

Seat Selection and Transfers: Frank País Airport mainly serves direct charter and scheduled flights, so long layovers are rare here. When choosing a seat on the plane, general rules apply: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat offers more legroom and freedom of movement.

In Case of Flight Delay: Amenities at the airport are limited, so in case of a long delay, be prepared to wait in fairly simple conditions. It is recommended to carry a portable charger (power bank), a book, or downloaded films. Contact your airline representative to clarify information about the flight status and the possibility of receiving vouchers for food or drinks.