Canadian Airlines Halt Flights to Cuba Amid Fuel Crisis
Major Canadian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba following an escalating fuel shortage on the island, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and raising concerns about the stability of Cuba’s tourism sector. Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat all announced cancellations on Monday, February 9, 2026, and Tuesday, February 10, 2026, citing advisories regarding the unreliability of aviation fuel supplies at Cuban airports.
Air Canada initiated the response, announcing a complete suspension of service. The airline stated it will operate empty “ferry flights” southbound over the coming days to retrieve approximately 3,000 Canadian customers currently in Cuba. “Air Canada took the decision following advisories issued by governments regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports,” the airline said in a news release. “It is projected that as of February 10 aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports.”
WestJet initially intended to continue flights but reversed course, suspending sales and cancelling scheduled trips. The decision impacts WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Québec. Air Transat also initially maintained its flight schedule but later announced plans to organize return flights to Canada, including additional repatriation flights.
The crisis stems from a broader energy shortage in Cuba, exacerbated by what multiple sources describe as a U.S. Blockade of oil shipments to the country. According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries continuing to provide oil to Cuba, aiming to isolate the Cuban government and increase pressure for political change. The situation has led to widespread energy rationing across the island, impacting not only aviation but also other sectors including transportation, culture, sports, and banking.
The fuel shortage is particularly damaging to Cuba’s tourism industry, a vital source of hard currency. With beaches being a major draw for Canadian tourists during the winter months, the disruption to air travel poses a significant economic challenge. Several airlines beyond Canada, including those from Russia, China, Turkey, France, and Spain, are also reportedly affected by the fuel scarcity.
Mexico has responded to the crisis by dispatching 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba and has stated it is taking “all necessary diplomatic actions” to potentially send oil to the island, according to reports. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the U.S. Policy as “very unjust.”
Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations have introduced a flexible rebooking policy for customers traveling to Cuba and a full refund policy for those whose departures have been cancelled. Customers with scheduled departures are eligible for automatic refunds in their original form of payment and do not need to contact Air Canada Vacations’ Contact Centre.
The airlines are continuing to monitor the situation to determine when normal service to Cuba can be resumed. Air Canada’s immediate priority remains the repatriation of Canadian citizens currently vacationing in Cuba.
The situation highlights the complex geopolitical factors impacting Cuba’s economy and its ability to maintain essential services. The ongoing U.S. Pressure, combined with internal challenges, has created a critical energy shortage with far-reaching consequences for the island nation and its tourism-dependent economy.
