Rossiya and Nordwind Suspend Cuba Flights as Jet Fuel Supplies Vanish

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 17, 2026 at 12:59 PM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Rossiya and Nordwind Suspend Cuba Flights as Jet Fuel Supplies Vanish

Rossiya and Nordwind Airlines suspended Cuba flights due to a severe jet fuel shortage; carriers are now repatriating thousands of stranded tourists.

Key Takeaways

  • Rossiya and Nordwind have halted all scheduled service to Cuba due to a total lack of aviation fuel.
  • Canadian carriers including Air Canada and WestJet are operating empty 'rescue' flights to retrieve stranded citizens.
  • Cuban authorities warned that international airports will lack sufficient fuel for at least thirty days.
  • The crisis stems from a combination of tightened U.S. sanctions and a sharp drop in oil imports from Venezuela.

Severe Jet Fuel Shortage

Cuba is facing a massive crisis. The island has run out of fuel. International airlines are now stopping service. Rossiya Airlines has suspended all flights. Nordwind Airlines also halted its operations. The Russian aviation authority confirmed this. Fuel is scarce at every airport. Cuban officials issued a stern warning. Supplies will be low for weeks.

Repatriation Efforts Underway

Thousands of tourists need a way home. Airlines are sending empty planes now. These aircraft will only pick up people. Air Canada is cancelling its routes. WestJet is also stopping its service. Both carriers want to avoid delays. They are flying rescue missions today. Passengers are waiting at Havana airport. The situation remains very tense there.

Roots of the Energy Crisis

Two factors caused this fuel shortage. The U.S. energy blockade is tight. Sanctions prevent new oil from arriving. Also, Venezuela slashed its oil exports. Cuba relies on these imports daily. Without oil, the planes cannot fly. The IATA tracks these supply issues. They ensure safety for all members. Fuel quality is also a concern.

Tourism and Economic Fallout

Tourism is Cuba's biggest industry. This collapse will hurt the nation. Local transport is also failing now. Buses and taxis have no fuel. Russian tourists are leaving the island. Canadian visitors are also heading home. The travel industry faces a dark future. Recovery will take a long time. Airlines await news on new supplies.

Regulatory and Safety Standards

Aviation safety is the top priority. The ICAO sets global fuel rules. Airlines cannot fly without enough fuel. They must have reserves for safety. Cuban airports cannot meet these needs. This forces carriers to stop flying. Safety regulators are watching the situation. They want to protect every passenger. No airline will risk a flight. Fuel shortages create dangerous flying conditions.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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