Recent developments have led major Canadian airlines to suspend flights to Cuba due to a significant jet fuel shortage at Havana’s José Martí International Airport. On Monday evening, Air Transat joined Air Canada and WestJet in cancelling services to the Caribbean nation, citing the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply as the main reason for their decision.
Airlines Respond to Fuel Shortage
Air Canada has taken steps to assist its customers stranded in Cuba. The airline plans to deploy empty aircraft to retrieve up to 3,000 travelers currently in the country. Meanwhile, Air Transat initially planned to continue operations but reversed this decision, announcing a service suspension until April 30.
WestJet has also halted flights to Cuba until late April, marking the end of their winter operations to the island on February 9. In a proactive measure, all airlines ensured that aircraft sent to Cuba would be fully fueled to avoid reliance on local fuel supplies.
Current Flight Situation
- Air Canada: Flights to Holguín and Santa Clara cancelled for the season. Varadero and Cayo Coco flights are suspended but may restart on May 1.
- WestJet: Winter operations end February 9; service set to resume on April 26. All flights suspended through Sunwing Vacations as well.
- Air Transat: All bookings to Cuba from February until the end of April will be automatically cancelled and refunded.
Government Warnings and Impact
The United States recently issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) indicating that jet fuel is not available at the Havana airport, effective until March 11. This notification has raised concerns about how the fuel scarcity will affect ongoing travel and resort operations across Cuba.
Cuba has historically depended on fuel imports from Venezuela, but recent sanctions have halted these supplies since mid-December. These restrictions have intensified the resource shortages on the island, prompting the Canadian government to issue travel advisories for those considering trips to Cuba.
Travel Industry Adaptations
In light of cancellations, airlines are offering flexible rebooking options. Air Canada confirmed that customers with affected flights will receive full refunds automatically. WestJet has extended its advisory for flights to Cuba until February 26, 2026, providing various cancellation options.
Future of Travel to Cuba
While the situation remains fluid, experts believe that tourism may still be viable in Cuba. Tamanisha John, a Caribbean development expert, noted that the Cuban government excels at rationing supplies. Despite the challenges ahead, certain airlines, such as Air France and Air Europa, plan to refuel at alternative Caribbean airports, maintaining service routes to Cuba.
As the nation navigates these challenging fuel shortages, the emphasis on humanitarian needs remains critical. Travel enthusiasts interested in visiting Cuba should stay informed and consider alternatives while respecting the island’s current circumstances.
