Russian airlines Rossiya and Nordwind will operate evacuation flights from Cuba and temporarily suspend regular services, after the island faced a critical shortage of aviation fuel.

The decision was confirmed by Russia’s aviation authority Rosaviatsiya, according to the Russian edition of Forbes. Officials said Russian and Cuban representatives are now exploring alternative options that could allow flights to resume.

Cuba warns airlines it cannot refuel aircraft

The suspension follows warnings from Havana that airlines will not be able to refuel on the island for the next month. The fuel issue affects both gasoline supplies and aviation kerosene, creating an immediate operational barrier for international carriers.

Cuba’s shortage is being described as one of the most severe in decades, with the country reportedly left without imported oil for the first time in ten years.

Trump order and the collapse of oil deliveries

The crisis escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in late January declaring a national emergency over threats linked to Cuba. The order granted the administration authority to impose additional tariffs on goods from third countries that “directly or indirectly sell or supply oil to Cuba.”

Following the order, Venezuela and Mexico reportedly halted deliveries, triggering a sudden collapse in Cuba’s imported oil supply.

Russia says it will keep supplying oil, but uncertainty remains

Russia’s ambassador to Cuba previously insisted that Moscow would continue supplying oil to the island despite U.S. pressure. However, it remains unclear whether deliveries are continuing in practice, and whether any supply would be sufficient to stabilize fuel availability for airlines.

For now, evacuation flights are expected to be the only option for passengers trying to leave Cuba on Rossiya or Nordwind, while the wider air travel situation on the island remains uncertain.