Cuba Halts Airline Refueling for a Month as Energy Crisis Disrupts Flights and Tourism

 

HAVANA — Cuba has suspended airline refueling at its international airports for at least one month, a move that is already rippling through global flight schedules and deepening the island’s ongoing energy crisis. The decision, announced through aviation advisories, reflects acute shortages of jet fuel and has forced several foreign carriers to cancel or scale back services to the Caribbean nation.

Cuban authorities warned airlines that aviation fuel would be unavailable at airports nationwide, citing sharply reduced supplies following recent geopolitical tensions and tighter external constraints. The suspension is expected to remain in place until at least mid-March, effectively grounding refueling operations for international commercial flights.

The impact was immediate. Air Canada, the largest foreign carrier serving Cuba, announced the suspension of its Cuban routes effective February 9, 2026, after government advisories raised concerns over the reliability of fuel availability. The airline said it would operate special recovery flights to repatriate approximately 3,000 passengers, using fuel tankering strategies and technical refueling stops outside Cuba. Customers were offered refunds or rebooking options, with travel representatives deployed locally to manage disruptions.

Other carriers are watching closely. While some seasonal routes to cities such as Holguín and Santa Clara have been suspended, airlines including WestJet and Air Transat have so far maintained limited operations under contingency plans. Flights to major tourist hubs like Varadero and Cayo Coco remain suspended, with tentative restart dates pushed to May, depending on fuel supply conditions.

The halt comes at a fragile moment for Cuba’s economy. Tourism, a key source of foreign currency, has yet to recover fully from recent shocks. Official figures show international arrivals down 17.8% in 2025, a decline now expected to deepen as flight cancellations multiply and traveler confidence erodes.

Beyond aviation, the refueling suspension underscores the broader fuel shortage affecting daily life across the island. Authorities have introduced emergency rationing measures across transport, healthcare, and public services, as shrinking energy imports strain an already overstretched system. Officials acknowledge the pressure but say the priority is to stabilize critical infrastructure amid limited resources.

For airlines and travelers alike, uncertainty dominates the outlook. Industry executives say schedules will remain fluid until there is clarity on fuel deliveries and the duration of the refueling ban. For Cuba, the episode highlights how closely its air connectivity—and economic recovery—remain tied to volatile energy supplies and external pressures.

FAQs

Why did Cuba halt airline refueling?
The suspension was triggered by a severe jet fuel shortage, linked to broader energy supply constraints and external pressures affecting fuel imports.

How long will the refueling halt last?
Cuban aviation authorities indicated the suspension would last around one month, though timelines could change depending on fuel availability.

Which airlines are affected the most?
Air Canada has suspended most services, while other international carriers have reduced flights or activated contingency plans.

What does this mean for tourism in Cuba?
The move is expected to further weaken tourism, already down 17.8%, by reducing flight availability and discouraging new bookings.

Could flights resume earlier than planned?
Airlines say operations depend on confirmed fuel supplies. Any early resumption would require clear guarantees from Cuban authorities.

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