Sunwing Vacations has announced the indefinite suspension of all operations to Cuba. The announcement follows earlier cancellations of service scheduled from June 20 to October 9.
Context of the Suspension
Sunwing’s decision affects not only its operations but also those of WestJet Vacations and WestJet Vacations Québec. The company acknowledged that this news might disappoint many guests and travel advisors, especially given the strong ties Canadians have with the island nation.
Challenges in Cuba
While Sunwing did not explicitly cite the ongoing fuel shortages in Cuba as the cause, they did acknowledge the hardships faced by local communities. The situation is dire; since the onset of a U.S.-imposed oil blockade, Cubans have been suffering from severe power outages.
- Power outages began three months ago due to the blockade.
- Cuba’s energy minister confirmed the complete depletion of diesel and oil supplies.
The blockade has been aggravated by the U.S. capturing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, which disrupted oil shipments to Cuba. This drastically cut off the island’s supply of aviation fuel and essential energy resources.
Impact on Travel Services
Canada’s major airlines, including Sunwing, initially ceased flights to Cuba in February when local airports warned of dwindling jet fuel supplies. AirTransat also announced a suspension of its Cuba service until the end of October, with packages to the nation currently unavailable for sale.
Options for Affected Travelers
For those who had already booked trips to Cuba through Sunwing, the company stated that they would reach out with alternatives. The options include:
- Rebooking to a different destination.
- Receiving a full refund for canceled trips.
As Sunwing Vacations halts all operations to Cuba indefinitely, the future of travel to the island remains uncertain. The company is mindful of the significant connection many Canadians have with Cuba, especially during these challenging times.
