A severe shortage of aviation fuel has gripped the island nation, prompting major international airlines to suspend flights and leaving thousands of tourists scrambling to return home.
The crisis, which began on 10 February and is projected to last until at least 11 March, stems from intensified United States sanctions that have effectively severed Cuba’s access to oil imports, particularly from Venezuela.
Cuban authorities issued a formal warning to carriers on 8 February, advising that jet fuel would no longer be available at nine key airports, including Jose Marti International in Havana.
This has forced airlines to adopt drastic measures, such as carrying extra fuel on inbound journeys or rerouting services to avoid refuelling on the island. Air Canada, the country’s largest carrier, announced the suspension of all flights to Cuba, citing the inability to guarantee safe operations without reliable fuel supplies.
Similarly, WestJet and Air Transat have halted services, with emergency repatriation flights organised to bring back stranded Canadians, estimated at around 10,000 individuals.
Russian authorities have taken even more urgent steps, launching evacuation operations for their citizens while suspending commercial routes until the fuel situation stabilises. Moscow’s aviation watchdog confirmed that Rossiya Airlines, an Aeroflot subsidiary, would operate return-only flights to repatriate tourists before a full halt.
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has advised against travel to Cuba amid what it describes as a humanitarian collapse fuelled by United States efforts to isolate the communist government. In contrast, some United States-based airlines, including Delta and Southwest, have continued limited operations by tankering fuel, a practice that involves loading extra kerosene for round trips, though this increases costs and environmental impact.
Mexican carriers Aeromexico and Viva have also pledged to maintain schedules despite the warnings, potentially by similar adaptations. The broader energy crisis has exacerbated daily life for Cubans, with frequent blackouts, long queues at petrol stations, and rationing in essential services like healthcare and transport.
President Donald Trump’s administration has ramped up pressure, threatening tariffs on any nation supplying oil to Cuba, a move Havana condemns as an attempt to suffocate its economy.
Tourism, a vital revenue source for the island, faces significant disruption, with experts warning of long-term economic fallout if the blockade persists. As of 12 February, no immediate resolution appears in sight, with Cuban officials appealing for international solidarity while airlines monitor the situation closely for potential extensions beyond March. The fuel dearth has not only grounded aircraft but also highlighted the geopolitical tensions simmering in the Caribbean, where United States policies continue to shape the fortunes of its neighbour.
