Air Canada has suspended all flights to Cuba effective immediately amid a growing aviation fuel crisis on the Caribbean island, with the carrier planning to operate empty “ferry” flights southbound over the coming days to repatriate approximately 3,000 passengers currently in Cuba. The decision follows advisories from aviation authorities after Cuban authorities warned that jet fuel will not be commercially available at airports beginning February 10, affecting major destinations such as Havana, Varadero, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba and Cayo Coco.
The fuel shortage stems from a broader energy crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by a blockade of oil shipments from its traditional supplier Venezuela amid tightened U.S. sanctions. Mexican oil shipments have also stopped, further squeezing the island’s limited reserves and forcing resorts to close temporarily to conserve resources.
Canadian carriers including WestJet and Air Transat have also been impacted, with some suspending winter operations or adjusting services due to the lack of in-country refueling, though U.S. airlines such as American, Delta and Southwest report flights continuing as planned by carrying sufficient fuel for round trips. The situation highlights significant disruptions to tourism — a key revenue source for Cuba — as airlines reassess schedules and travellers face cancellations and rerouting challenges.
Featured image credit: Air Canada aircraft at an airport. news as reported.
