Belgian volunteer robbed near Havana airport after delivering aid

A Belgian visitor, who came to Cuba with a generous donation for a children's hospital, faced a frightening ordeal just after leaving Havana's main airport. Her personal backpack was stolen shortly after arriving.

The incident happened as she was traveling by car from the José Martí International Airport. This area near the CUJAE highway has been mentioned by other travelers as a place where baggage theft can occur.

📄 Where and When It Happened

The theft took place on Thursday, October 15th, around 9:40 PM. The victim, her friend Oliver De Armas, and the driver were traveling on the CUJAE highway after picking her up from Terminal 3.

The car had to slow down because of a pothole on the road. It was at this moment that the occupants heard a loud noise from the back of the vehicle. The driver realized thieves were trying to break into the trunk.

📄 Why It Matters

This event casts a shadow over acts of solidarity, especially when they are meant for vulnerable children. It raises serious questions about safety and security for visitors and locals alike when using roads near the airport.

The lack of good lighting and police presence in the area was noted, making such criminal acts easier. This incident serves as a warning to others traveling in Cuba.

📄 What the Parties Say

According to Oliver De Armas's Facebook post, the thieves likely used a tool, possibly like a crowbar, to force open the car's trunk. They couldn't be seen due to the darkness and the thick vegetation along the road.

While they managed to recover one suitcase that was dislodged from the trunk, the Belgian woman's personal backpack, containing her belongings, was taken. No one was physically harmed during the event.

📄 What Happens Next

De Armas decided to share this experience publicly to alert other travelers and to call for better security measures. Several users commented on his post, sharing similar experiences on the same road.

These personal accounts suggest that criminals may take advantage of slow-moving traffic to steal luggage and then disappear into the roadside vegetation. These experiences highlight an ongoing concern for traveler safety near Havana's airport.