Havana, Cuba – Air Canada has suspended all flights to Cuba, effective , in response to a critical shortage of aviation fuel on the island. The decision, mirroring similar actions by other airlines, throws into uncertainty the travel plans of thousands of Canadians and underscores a deepening economic crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by geopolitical pressures.
The suspension follows an announcement by Cuban authorities that jet fuel would be unavailable at airports nationwide starting . Air Canada stated it will operate empty flights southbound in the coming days to retrieve approximately 3,000 customers currently stranded in Cuba, ensuring their return to Canada.
While Air Canada was the first to halt service entirely, other major carriers have also adjusted their operations. Air Transat announced late that all flights to Cuba are suspended until , offering full refunds to passengers with bookings during that period. WestJet and Sunwing have suspended ticket sales for Cuba, focusing on repatriating existing passengers.
The fuel shortage is not an isolated incident. Cuba has been grappling with a severe energy crisis, compounded by a decades-long U.S. Economic blockade and recent disruptions to oil supplies. According to reports, the crisis has led to reduced bank hours, the suspension of cultural events, and a near-collapse of the public bus system in Havana, leaving residents facing significant hardship.
The timing of the crisis has drawn attention to recent U.S. Policy. Late last month, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries continuing to supply oil to Cuba, a move intended to “counter Cuba’s malign influence.” Mexico, previously a key supplier, has reportedly halted shipments in an effort to avoid potential U.S. Sanctions.
The situation is causing considerable anxiety for Canadian tourists currently in Cuba. Meisam Salahi, a Canadian vacationing in Varadero with his family, expressed his frustration at the lack of clear information from airline representatives. “We just want to go back home safely,” he said, adding that his family’s trip was intended to celebrate his child’s birthday.
Global Affairs Canada reports that as of , 7,204 Canadians are registered as being in Cuba. The department has issued a statement urging Canadians to prepare for potential disruptions to travel plans and advising them to monitor the situation closely. Registration is voluntary and does not represent the total number of Canadians currently on the island.
The disruption to air travel highlights Cuba’s reliance on tourism, a sector that once generated approximately US$3 billion in annual revenue. The current crisis threatens to further cripple the Cuban economy, already struggling under the weight of economic sanctions and internal challenges.
A commercial pilot familiar with regional air travel noted that similar fuel cuts occurred over a decade ago, requiring flights to Europe to refuel in Nassau, Bahamas. He suggested that airlines could mitigate the current situation by bringing extra fuel or refueling in alternative locations such as Cancun, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic.
The long-term implications of the fuel shortage remain unclear. Cuban officials have yet to provide a timeline for resolving the crisis, leaving airlines and travellers in a state of uncertainty. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Cuba’s economy and its dependence on external factors, particularly in the energy sector.
The unfolding events are likely to intensify scrutiny of U.S. Policy towards Cuba and the impact of the economic blockade on the island’s ability to secure essential resources. The crisis also raises questions about the resilience of Cuba’s tourism industry and its capacity to withstand further economic shocks.
