Cuba is grappling with a severe aviation fuel shortage at its main airports, prompting several international airlines to suspend flights to the island from February 10 to March 11. The crisis, worsened by the U.S. oil blockade, particularly impacts routes from Europe and Canada, while Mexican carriers like Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobús continue operations by refueling in Mexico.
The Cuban government notified international airlines that it will lack aviation fuel (Jet A1) at its main airports from February 10 to March 11, due to an energy crisis exacerbated by the U.S. oil blockade. This has forced flight suspensions by Air Canada, some Russian airlines, and United Airlines, which plan special flights to repatriate about 3,000 stranded passengers.
Air Canada, Canada's largest carrier, suspended its services to Cuba starting Monday, following the official announcement. Canadian tourism is vital to Cuba's economy, and this disruption could cause lasting damage to the industry, which is already concentrating visitors in fewer hotels during peak season. Other airlines like Air Transat and WestJet/Sunwing intend to continue operations as planned.
In Mexico, Aeroméxico is maintaining its daily route between Mexico City and Havana, stating it will update any changes through official channels. Viva Aerobús, holding 63% of the Mexico-Cuba air market with 271,000 passengers in 2025 (a 5.2% increase), operated its Cancún flight normally this Monday and will refuel at airports like AIFA, Monterrey, Mérida, and Cancún for round-trip flights.
Mexico's Pilots' Union noted that planes can land in Cuba but cannot take off without refueling in nearby countries, raising ticket prices, especially on Yucatán and Cancún routes. Europe-bound flights are most affected, with no impacts foreseen yet in Mexico. The shortage affects all Cuban international airports, including José Martí in Havana and Juan Gualberto Gómez in Varadero.
