The Canadian government has issued an updated travel advisory for Cuba, urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to the country due to fuel shortages and reduced flight services by Canadian airlines. Major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat, have suspended their flights to Cuba, with plans to bring back stranded travelers to Canada.
Air Canada announced that it would operate empty flights to bring back approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba. The airline will also take extra fuel and make technical stops if needed on return journeys due to the unreliability of aviation fuel supply in Cuban airports. Seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are canceled, while flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are temporarily suspended, with a tentative restart date of May 1.
WestJet is winding down its winter operations to Cuba and plans to resume services on April 26. The airline is sending empty planes to ensure the safe return of guests in Cuba, carrying enough fuel for departure without relying on local fuel availability. Havana’s José Martí International Airport issued a notice indicating a fuel shortage until March 11, raising concerns about the impact on flights and tourism.
The ongoing fuel shortage in Cuba, exacerbated by the lack of supplies from Venezuela, has prompted airlines to offer flexible rebooking and cancellation options for affected travelers. Air Transat and Sunwing have also suspended services to Cuba, with plans to refund affected bookings. The Cuban Aviation Corporation issued a statement emphasizing efforts to maintain aviation operations and ensure safety despite the challenges.
Travelers affected by flight cancellations have been offered alternatives by airlines, with Air Canada providing full refunds and WestJet offering rebooking options. Despite the disruptions, experts suggest that Cuba’s government efficiently manages limited resources to prioritize essential services. While some resorts in Cuba have closed temporarily due to low occupancy, airlines are exploring alternative refueling options in the Caribbean to mitigate the impact of fuel shortages.
In light of the evolving situation, travelers are advised to stay informed about any changes in travel plans to Cuba and consider alternative destinations if necessary. The Canadian government continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on travel advisories for Cuba.