Aviation Fuel Crisis Forces Air Canada to Ground Flights to Cuba!
Imagine planning your dream vacation, only to have your flight grounded due to a critical fuel shortage. That's precisely the situation unfolding as Air Canada has announced a suspension of its flights to Cuba, commencing Monday. This drastic measure comes on the heels of a stark warning from Cuba's primary airport, indicating that it is on the verge of running out of jet fuel.
But here's where it gets complicated... Cuba has historically depended on Venezuela for its jet fuel supply. However, since mid-December, the flow of crude and refined products from its key ally has reportedly ceased, largely due to U.S. sanctions aimed at blocking Venezuela's exports. This disruption has created a ripple effect, directly impacting air travel to the island.
And this is the part most people miss... In the coming days, Air Canada plans to operate empty aircraft to collect approximately 3,000 customers who are currently in Cuba and ensure their safe return home. This logistical challenge highlights the severity of the fuel situation. The airline's decision was prompted by advisories, known as NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), issued by governments, which signaled the unreliability of aviation fuel at Cuban airports. For any remaining flights, Air Canada will be taking extra fuel and making necessary technical stops to refuel on the return journey.
What does this mean for your travel plans?
- Seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are now cancelled for the remainder of the season.
- Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, which were scheduled to operate year-round, are currently suspended. A tentative restart is planned for May 1, pending further review.
Havana's José Martí International Airport issued an official notice, a NOTAM, on Sunday, stating that Jet A1 fuel will not be available starting Tuesday and this warning is in effect until March 11. A NOTAM is crucial information for flight operations, and this international notice is intended for viewing by multiple countries.
This situation follows closely behind a travel advisory issued by the Canadian federal government for Cuba. The advisory warns of worsening shortages of fuel and food, which could impact resorts and flights. Many travel professionals, like McKenzie MacMillan, a managing partner at The Travel Group, were not surprised by this alert.
Airlines are stepping up with options:
By Monday, Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Sunwing had all announced flexible rebooking or cancellation policies. Air Canada is providing full refunds to customers with affected flights. WestJet, citing a power outage as the reason for its advisory, has suspended flights to and from Cuba from Sunday to February 26, 2026. They have assured that all WestJet flights depart Cuba with sufficient fuel. Air Transat also confirmed they were notified by Cuban authorities about a temporary suspension of kerosene refueling but still plans to operate flights as scheduled.
A Traveler's Disappointment:
Kim Darby, a resident of Burlington, Ontario, shared his experience. His Air Canada flight to Cayo Santa Maria, scheduled for March 27, was cancelled without a specific reason provided by the airline. While disappointed, Darby and his wife were able to rebook their vacation to Negril, Jamaica, without penalty, though they had to cover the price difference for the more expensive destination. Darby noted, "If there are fuel shortages and food, it should go to the people. Tourists can go elsewhere."
Now, I'd love to hear from you! Do you think Cuba should prioritize its limited resources for its citizens over tourists, especially during times of shortage? Or should they do their best to accommodate visitors regardless? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let's get a conversation started!
