Air Canada Suspends Cuba Flights as Major Airports Run Out of Jet Fuel

Cuba's aviation sector is facing a severe crisis. A new official notice, NOTAM A0356/26, confirms a total lack of Jet A-1 fuel. This shortage affects nine major airports across the island nation. The restriction will last for at least one month.

Airports impacted include Havana (MUHA) and Varadero (MUVR). Other locations like Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba are also affected. This means planes cannot refuel before leaving the country.

Impact on Airlines and Passengers

Air Canada is the first major carrier to act. They have suspended all regular flights to the island. The airline plans to send empty aircraft to rescue passengers. About 3,000 travelers are currently stranded in Cuba.

Other airlines are monitoring the situation closely. Most have not canceled flights yet. However, travel experts advise against booking new trips. The situation remains very unstable for international visitors.

Operational Challenges for Carriers

Airlines still flying to Cuba must change their plans. They have two main options to handle the fuel gap. Some planes will carry extra fuel for the return trip. This practice is known as fuel tankering.

Other flights must make technical stops in nearby countries. These stops allow planes to refuel before heading home. Both options increase costs for the airlines. They also cause significant delays for passengers.

Regional and Geopolitical Factors

The fuel crisis is part of a larger economic collapse. Mexico has stopped sending oil shipments to the regime. Instead, they are only sending food and medical supplies. This shift has left the country without energy.

Nicaragua has also ended its visa-free policy for Cubans. This makes it harder for people to leave by air. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has increased its presence in the region. These factors create a very difficult environment for aviation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) often tracks such disruptions. Fuel shortages of this scale are rare in the modern industry. Carriers must prioritize safety and logistics during this month-long shortage.

flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports. Discover how innovation is shaping aviation through aircraft systems, avionics, and digital tools at flying.flights/technology.