Passenger Terminal

One small hall handles all flights at SNU’s T1

Every commercial departure at Abel Santamaría International runs through the single Passenger Terminal, officially T1, so there’s no terminal choice to overthink. International leisure flights from Air Canada, American Airlines, CanJet, Cubana de Aviación, and Sunwing Airlines all use the same building. Traffic is low compared with big Caribbean hubs, which means fewer queues overall but also fewer services once you’re inside.

Simple layout: one check-in zone and a compact gate area

The Passenger Terminal works on a straight line: check-in desks at the front, security and exit immigration in the middle, and a small departure lounge and gates at the back. All airlines share the same check-in hall, so you just follow the boards for your flight number from American or Sunwing, for example. With only T1 in operation, walking time from the main entrance doors to the farthest gate is usually under 10 minutes, even at a slow pace.

VIP Lounge: only real place to sit in peace

The one known lounge in T1 is simply called the VIP Lounge, serving multiple airlines and walk-up customers when capacity allows. Expect basic seating, air-conditioning, and soft drinks rather than a full hot buffet, as this is a small Cuban regional facility. Access rules can change, but staff often accept airline-issued lounge invitations on flights like Air Canada or American Airlines, and sometimes paid entry in hard currency or card; bring a backup plan in case it’s full.

Food and shopping: plan to eat before you arrive

No specific restaurants or brand-name shops are consistently listed for the Passenger Terminal, and reviews mention only small, generic kiosks that may sell snacks, water, and basic souvenirs. With so little catalogued, assume limited choice and variable stock, especially on early morning or late-evening departures. If you’re flying out on a once-daily Sunwing Airlines or CanJet service, eat a proper meal in town before reaching the airport and carry snacks that clear security rules.

Arrivals: straightforward, but bring patience for formalities

All international arrivals at T1 feed into a single immigration and customs path, with baggage coming out on a small set of carousels right behind the passport control booths. Flights from American Airlines and Air Canada can land in loose clusters during the day, so waiting at the belt can stretch beyond 30 minutes when two aircraft arrive close together. Have your luggage tags handy, as customs inspections are taken seriously and spot checks are common.

Final tip: build your buffer because schedules are thin

With only a handful of daily international flights using T1, a missed departure on Cubana de Aviación or a North American carrier like Sunwing or American can mean a delay of 24 hours or more before the next option. Aim to reach the Passenger Terminal at least 2.5 hours before an international departure, arrive fed and hydrated, and treat the VIP Lounge as a bonus rather than a guarantee.