Air Canada Halts Cuba Flights Amid Island’s Kerosene Shortage

Amid a current kerosene shortage in Cuba, several airlines have made significant operational changes. On February 9, authorities announced the fuel shortage, which prompted immediate reactions from carriers like Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat.

Air Canada Suspends Flights to Cuba

On February 9, Air Canada announced the suspension of its flights to Cuba. This decision was made to manage the airline’s operations while maintaining flights returning approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba.

Air Canada spokesperson Christophe Hennebelle stated the airline would operate empty flights to repatriate passengers. Starting February 10, aviation fuel will no longer be available at Cuban airports, affecting further schedules.

Changes in Itineraries

• Air Canada is allowing travelers who booked before February 5 to modify their itineraries for travel between February 6 and February 25.
• Due to unexpected local restrictions, several flights from Toronto to Varadero and Cayo Coco were canceled.

WestJet and Air Transat Follow Suit

WestJet has also announced a gradual reduction of its winter operations to Cuba. Customers with upcoming flights to Cuba through WestJet or its vacation packages will see their trips canceled. The airline will notify affected travelers about their options, which include refunds or flexible changes.

Additionally, Air Transat has suspended flights to Cuba until April 30, 2026. Reservations for departures between February 11 and April 30 will be automatically canceled, with customers receiving refunds through their original payment methods.

Traveler Reactions

At Montreal-Trudeau Airport, travelers expressed mixed feelings about the changes. Some, like Juliana, faced challenges with refunds from WestJet when attempting to modify last-minute plans. Others felt reassured by the communications regarding flight statuses, despite underlying anxieties.

• Traveler Concerns: Many travelers expressed worry about potential disruptions and uncertainty regarding their returns.
• Positive Outlooks: Others reported enjoying their stays and remained unconcerned about the shortages.

Current Flight Operations

According to Cirium, over 150 flights from various parts of Canada were scheduled to depart for Cuba between February 9 and February 13. Delays and operational adjustments may continue as airlines navigate the kerosene shortage.

Travel agents advise caution for those considering future trips to Cuba, urging potential travelers to wait for clearer updates.