Air Transat is joining Air Canada and the WestJet Group by temporarily suspending flights from Canada to Cuba, which is being devastated by a shortage of aviation fuel.
“Due to a jet fuel shortage announced by Cuban authorities and the recent evolution of the situation, Air Transat is temporarily suspending all flights to Cuba until April 30, 2026,” the airline said in a notice posted on its travel advisory page late on 09FEB.
“Air Transat will cancel and refund customers whose trip has not yet begun to their original method of payment,” officials said. “Air Transat will set up repatriation flights to Canada over the coming days.”
The airline said it will “contact all affected customers directly. We understand how important your travel plans are and sincerely apologize for this disruption.”
Earlier this evening, WestJet said it's ceasing winter operations to Cuba for WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.
In a memo sent out around 7:20 p.m. EST on 09FEB, the company said that, starting today, WestJet Group will depart Canada with empty aircraft to support the organized return of guests currently vacationing in Cuba. All aircraft dispatched to Cuba will carry sufficient fuel to safely depart without reliance on local fuel availability.
"Aligning with our focus to put guests and crew first and protect the integrity of our operation, WestJet Group has made the decision to begin an orderly wind down of our winter operations to Cuba," the company said. "This is inclusive of this is inclusive of WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.
The company said information regarding guest cancellations and next steps can be found at Guest Updates Hub.
The CBC quoted WestJet officials as saying it plans to resume service to Cuba on 26APR, 2026.
Air Transat has said it's offering flexible booking options but, as of 7:30 p.m. ET on 09FEB, had not announced flight cancellations for Cuba.
