Air Canada Halts Cuba Flights as Island's Fuel Crisis Grounds Operations

Air Canada has suspended all flights to Cuba, citing a critical shortage of aviation fuel at the island's airports. The airline announced the move Monday, stating it acted on government advisories about unreliable fuel supplies. The suspension is effective immediately.

The carrier's primary focus is repatriating roughly 3,000 customers already in Cuba. Over the coming days, Air Canada will operate empty aircraft southbound to collect these travelers. For its final few flights before the halt, the airline said it would carry extra fuel from Canada or make technical stops on return journeys to avoid refueling in Cuba.

A notice from Havana's José Martí International Airport confirms jet fuel will be unavailable from Tuesday through at least March 11. The shortage impacts nine international airports, including popular tourist hubs Varadero and Cayo Coco. Seasonal routes to Holguín and Santa Clara are canceled, while year-round service is tentatively set to resume May 1.

The Cuban government, implementing broader austerity measures, has also closed some hotels with low occupancy. The island's jet fuel supply has been severely constrained since late last year. Cuba historically depended on Venezuela, but those shipments stopped in December. Mexico, which stepped in as a supplier, also halted deliveries under geopolitical pressure in January.

While Air Canada has paused operations, major U.S. carriers—including American, Delta, and Southwest—report their Cuba flights continue normally. These airlines state their aircraft carry enough fuel for round trips, a contingency plan other international airlines have used during past Cuban fuel shortages.