Final Evacuation Flights Return Last Russian Tourists from Cuba Amid Fuel Crisis

The last planned evacuation flight from Cuba touched down at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport at 5:27 PM, concluding a ten-day airlift of Russian tourists. Carriers Rossiya and Nordwind operated the flights, which transported approximately 4,300 passengers from Cuban airports in Varadero, Havana, Cayo Coco, and Holguin.

The operation began on February 13 after the Russian government advised tour operators to suspend sales to the island. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier described the situation in Cuba as "truly critical," prompting the coordinated response.

The crisis stems from a severe aviation fuel shortage in Cuba. This shortage intensified following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, which halted oil exports from Caracas, a primary supplier to Havana. Further pressure came on January 29 when U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing potential tariffs on oil exporters to Cuba.

A statement from the Russian Ministry of Transport indicated that discussions about resuming regular commercial flights will only occur once the supply of jet fuel to Cuba normalizes. For now, the skies between Russia and the popular Caribbean destination remain quiet, leaving the travel industry awaiting a resolution to the ongoing energy crisis.