Air Canada has stopped all flights to Cuba because airports on the island are running out of aviation fuel, forcing the airline to act fast to protect its passengers and crews. The move comes amid a deepening fuel crisis in Cuba linked to U.S. pressure on the country’s oil supplies.
The suspension took effect on February 9, 2026, after the Cuban government warned that jet fuel would likely not be available at Cuban airports as of February 10. In a press release, Air Canada said it does not expect commercial aviation fuel to be sold at airports in Havana and other cities, making normal flight operations unsafe.
Over the next few days, Air Canada plans to fly empty “ferry” flights to Cuba to bring home about 3,000 passengers who are already there. The airline also announced flexible rebooking and refund options for travellers whose flights were cancelled, offering full refunds without penalties.
Air Canada operates about 16 flights a week between Canada and four Cuban destinations such as Varadero and Cayo Coco from Toronto and Montreal. Two seasonal routes have already been cancelled due to the fuel shortage, and other flights are suspended with a tentative restart around May 1, 2026, pending improved fuel availability.
The fuel shortage stems from a broader energy crisis in Cuba, which relies heavily on imported oil, traditionally from Venezuela and Mexico. Recent U.S. measures have tightened the oil blockade, including threats of tariffs on countries that sell fuel to Cuba, effectively cutting off key fuel sources. This has left the island with dwindling reserves and critical supply gaps.
Some other Canadian carriers, like Air Transat and WestJet, said they are continuing flights for now by planning technical stops or carrying extra fuel. However, uncertainty remains high, and these airlines are monitoring conditions closely to ensure safety.
Beyond aviation, the fuel crisis is beginning to affect daily life across Cuba, including transport, power generation and tourism services, as shortages extend to petrol and other energy supplies. Many international airlines have also warned about the lack of refueling options at Cuban airports in the coming weeks.
This disruption highlights how energy shortages can ripple through travel, tourism and national economies, especially for a country like Cuba that depends heavily on foreign visitors and imported fuel.
