Air Canada says it will suspend flights to Cuba starting Monday as the Caribbean island’s main airport warns of running out of jet fuel.
Air Canada said in a statement Monday that it plans to fly empty planes over the next few days to pick up and bring home about 3,000 customers already in Cuba.
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“Air Canada made the decision following an advisory issued by the government (NOTAM) regarding the unreliability of aviation fuel supplies at Cuban airports,” the statement said.
“For the remaining flights, Air Canada will transport additional fuel by tanker, make technical stops as necessary, and refuel on the return leg.”
Air Canada announced that seasonal flights to Holguin and Santa Clara have been canceled for the remainder of the season, while flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, which are scheduled to operate year-round, are currently suspended and will “tentatively resume on May 1, pending consideration.”
inOfficial notice called notam Posted on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website Sunday, J in HavanaOcé Marti International Airport As of Tuesday, it warned that “Jet A1 fuel is not available,” and the warning will last until March 11.
a notamor “Notice to Airmen” is an official notice. The FAA says it contains important information for personnel involved in aviation operations. Havana Airport’s NOTAM is classified as ‘international’, meaning it can be viewed by multiple countries.
The federal government has strengthened its travel advisory for Cuba, warning Canadians planning vacations to the island of worsening fuel and food shortages. Travel Group managing partner Mackenzie McMillan said she wasn’t surprised to hear the warning.
This is the Canadian federal government Travel advisory to Cubawarned that continued fuel shortages could affect resorts and flights.
Cuba As Reuters notes, China has historically relied on Venezuela for much of its jet fuel, but the Caribbean island nation has not received crude oil or refined products from its largest ally since mid-December, when the United States moved to block Venezuelan exports.
NOTAM suggests that not only is the U.S. trying to cut off energy and fuel supplies to Cuba, but that the U.S. is also trying to isolate Cuba from the rest of the world, Tamanisha John, an assistant professor of politics at York University who studies Caribbean development, told CBC News.
“It’s no secret that Cuba relies on humanitarian aid and tourism, which primarily reach the country by plane,” John said.
Airlines offer options
By Monday, Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Sunwing had all announced flexible rebooking and cancellation options. Air Canada said in a news release that customers on affected flights will automatically receive a full refund.
In the notice, WestJet cited “power outages” as the reason. the recommendation Valid for all flights to and from Cuba from Sunday until February 26, 2026.
WestJet, which owns Sunwing, said in a statement to CBC News that it is focused on passenger safety.
“It is also important to note that all WestJet flights arrive in Cuba with sufficient fuel to depart Cuba safely,” the airline added.
In addition, Transat noted several things. Cuban resorts closed The service is temporarily closed “due to low occupancy,” but affected customers are allowed access.Change travel dates, hotels, and destinations without penalty.
“Air Transat, like other airlines, has received notice from the Cuban authorities to suspend kerosene refueling at the country’s airports,” the airline said in a notice Monday morning.
However, it added that the airline still plans to operate flights as scheduled.
trip cancellation
Kim Darby of Burlington, Ont., told CBC News that Air Canada canceled her scheduled flight to Cayo Santa Maria. This is Darby’s seventh trip to Cuba, and he enjoys bonefishing on the flats.
“The beach is great, the people are great. I don’t need fancy food,” Darby, 71, told CBC News.
Darby said she booked a two-week trip on Dec. 23. He and his wife were scheduled to leave on March 27th. On Thursday, Air Canada Vacations sent Darby an email saying her flight had been canceled without giving a specific reason.
CBC News saw the email. In the travel forum, Other Air Canada customers The company said it also canceled a trip to Cuba.
Darby said he rebooked his vacation to Negril, Jamaica, without penalty, but because Negril is more expensive, he will have to pay the difference.
“You can’t really fish there, but you’ll have a relaxing couple of weeks,” he said.
The Darbys added that while they were disappointed in the Santa Maria trip, they also didn’t want Cuba to prioritize its limited resources over a resort.
“If there is a shortage of fuel or food, it should be given to the people. Tourists can go elsewhere.”
But John, the Caribbean development expert, said the Cuban government has been very efficient in rationing and making use of the supplies it has, adding that he doesn’t think Canadians should avoid traveling to Cuba.
“Canadians traveling to Cuba may end up staying in better accommodations as the Cuban government prioritizes maintaining top-notch tourist facilities in operation,” she said.
And she pointed out that planes can be refueled at other airports in the Caribbean. For example Air France told AFP News There will be another stop in the Caribbean to refuel.