Fuel Shortage Grounds Major Flights to Cuba, Stranding Tourists

A deepening fuel crisis in Cuba has forced several international airlines to suspend service, leaving travelers scrambling and governments urging caution. The issue stems from a severe shortage of jet fuel, prompting carriers like Air Canada, Air Transat, and WestJet to cancel all flights to the island until at least May. These airlines arranged special return flights for stranded passengers, with the last departing on February 18; affected customers are receiving automatic refunds.

U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, and Southwest, continue flights from Florida to Havana. Their aircraft can complete the short round-trip without refueling in Cuba. Southwest confirmed it now requires planes to carry enough fuel for their next destination after leaving Havana. Aeromexico is also maintaining service, while Iberia has added a refueling stop in the Dominican Republic for its Madrid-Havana route.

Beyond aviation, the crisis is affecting daily life. Cuba is grappling with long gasoline lines, frequent blackouts, and unstable infrastructure. The U.S. Embassy warns travelers of shortages and power outages. Canada and the U.K. have issued formal advisories, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel. Both governments note that shortages of fuel, food, water, and medicine can disrupt resort services and ground transport, advising those currently in Cuba to consider departing while commercial options exist. The situation remains fluid, with airlift capacity subject to change without warning.