Canadian Airlines Suspend Cuba Flights Amid Jet Fuel Crisis
WestJet and Air Transat have suspended flights to Cuba as the island faces a severe fuel shortage.
The disruption follows an unprecedented Notice to Air Missions warning that Jet A-1 fuel would be unavailable nationwide from 10 February through at least 11 March. All three major Canadian leisure airlines now paused passenger service to Cuba.
Air Canada acted first, followed by WestJet and Air Transat. The suspensions affect thousands of Canadian travellers during peak winter season.
Airlines Launch Repatriation and Refund Plans
WestJet announced an orderly wind-down of its winter Cuba program. The suspension includes WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec.
The airline began sending empty aircraft to Cuba to repatriate passengers. These aircraft carried enough fuel to depart without relying on local supplies.
Air Transat suspended all Cuba flights until at least 30 April. The airline cancelled upcoming bookings and issued automatic refunds.
Air Transat confirmed it is organising return flights, including additional repatriation services. The carrier assured customers that bringing them home remains its top priority.
Air Canada cancelled 16 weekly rotations to Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguín, and Santa Clara. The airline deployed ferry flights to return approximately 3,000 passengers. Industry estimates suggest roughly 6,000 Canadian vacationers remain affected.
Fuel Shortage and Geopolitical Pressure Drive Disruption
Cuba’s aviation fuel shortage stems from tightening oil supply constraints. Reduced crude shipments have severely limited jet fuel availability across the country.
The United States has threatened tariffs on countries supplying Cuba with oil. Officials have also accused Cuba of supporting destabilising regional activities.
Fuel shortages triggered daily blackouts in parts of the island. The aviation sector now faces operational uncertainty during peak travel season.
Canadian carriers typically provide over 40 percent of Cuba’s international seat capacity in winter. The suspensions will significantly impact tourism revenue.
Travel Industry Shifts Capacity to Alternative Destinations
Canadian tour operators are redirecting passengers to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Travel advisors are urging clients to review visa and entry requirements before rebooking.
Even limited services may require technical fuel stops, increasing travel time and disruption risk. Airlines will reassess operations if fuel supplies stabilise in the coming months. For now, Canadian carriers have prioritised passenger safety and operational reliability.