A tightening US oil embargo on Cuba has now hit the country’s air transport system at full force, leaving thousands of tourists stuck on the island and forcing airlines to take emergency measures.
Canada’s Air Canada has temporarily suspended all flights to Cuba, except for evacuation services aimed at bringing home roughly 3,000 tourists. The airline said it will continue monitoring the situation before deciding when regular operations can resume.
“Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation in order to make a decision later on the appropriate resumption of normal air services to Cuba,” the carrier said in a statement.
Airlines warned they can no longer refuel in Cuba
According to reports citing pilots and airline sources, the Cuban government has informed international airlines that from Tuesday onward, refuelling aircraft on the island is no longer possible.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued warnings about the fuel shortage, adding to the operational and safety pressure on carriers.
Which airlines are suspending flights – and which are still operating
Air Canada is not alone.
WestJet and other airlines have introduced similar restrictions. European carriers have also moved quickly to limit exposure:
- Iberia and Air Europa are offering refunds
- passengers can rebook flights
- airlines are proposing alternative routes that include refuelling outside Cuba
Meanwhile, US airlines such as American Airlines are continuing to operate flights to the island, largely because they refuel outside Cuba and are therefore less dependent on local fuel availability.
Cuba introduces emergency austerity measures
The fuel shortage is deepening Cuba’s broader economic crisis.
In response, Cuban authorities have introduced strict austerity measures, including:
- shortened work weeks for state institutions
- reduced teaching hours in schools and universities
- partial closures across the tourism sector
- restrictions on gasoline sales
- reduced bus and rail services
The measures underline how quickly the energy crisis is spreading from aviation into daily life across the island.
Russia accuses Washington of “strangulation tactics”
The situation has also escalated politically.
Russia has openly accused the US government of applying “strangulation tactics,” arguing that American sanctions are deliberately pushing Cuba to the brink.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is in close contact with the Cuban government and would oppose any form of military intervention.
Tourism faces a major shock
For Cuba, where tourism remains one of the most important sources of foreign currency, the paralysis of air links is both an economic and reputational blow.
If the fuel shortage continues, the island risks a deeper collapse in visitor numbers – at the very moment international airlines are beginning to reroute, reduce capacity, or pull out entirely.
