Cuban authorities have warned foreign carriers that José Martí International Airport is expected to run out of Jet A-1 aviation fuel within the next 24 hours, likely beginning tomorrow (09FEB), according to a Federal Aviation Administration notice issued late Sunday.
The shortage is expected to last through at least 11MAR.
The fuel shortage comes at one of the busiest times of the year for Canadian travellers. Air service could continue, but airlines would be forced to carry extra fuel or add refuelling stops in nearby countries such as Mexico or the Dominican Republic, increasing costs and limiting capacity.
Air Canada has stopped flying passengers to Cuba, a spokesperson told Open Jaw this morning. "On Sunday evening, a NOTAM was indeed issued regarding operations to Cuba stating that as of Tuesday, no jet fuel would be available to airlines. Today, our outbound flights will not be carrying any passengers to Cuba and will be ferry flights only."
We will operate as scheduled out of Cuba, carrying passengers to Canada," the spokesperson underscored. "We continue to monitor the situation to ensure safe and reliable operations for our passengers and crew and will share more information as it becomes available."
Meanwhile, Nino Montagnese, VP of Air Canada Vacations, said this morning that the operator is ready to suspend all flights to Cuba. “We are preparing to stop flying based on the notice given regarding no fuel being available,” he told Open Jaw. “We’ve seen this coming for weeks now. Our number one priority is the safety of our customers.”
Eric Rodriguez, Executive Vice-President of Partner Development at Sunwing Vacations, advises: “We should have an update from the Cuban government today. But we have a plan in place to carry extra fuel to be able to refuel on the return. Resorts and supplies remain unaffected.”
As reported by Open Jaw early Friday evening, Air Canada introduced a Goodwill Policy offering flexible rebooking for travellers to Cuba, applying to all itineraries to the island's main gateways (Cayo Coco, Varadero, Santa Clara, and Holguín) for tickets issued by 05FEB with travel dates from 06FEB to 25FEB.
Air Canada Vacations is offering similar flexibility for package bookings, allowing customers to change travel dates or receive a one-year Future Travel Credit. Bloomberg reports that at least two large resorts on Cayo Coco are closing due to fuel shortages, with around 200 guests from Mojito Cayo Coco relocated to Sol Cayo Coco.
On its website, Air Canada posted the information, ensuring "customers travelling to Cuba, we understand that certainty about travel plans is important so if you need to make alternate travel arrangements, Air Canada Vacations is offering customers with imminent travel plans to Cuba the reassurance and flexibility to change their booking."
Cuba’s fuel crisis comes after the US cut off Venezuelan oil shipments after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro last month and threatened tariffs on countries that supply fuel to the island. Mexico halted its oil shipments to Cuba given Donald Trump’s tariff threat, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said today (09FEB). “It’s currently on hold and we are seeking to avoid any negative impact on Mexico and, as always, to find the best diplomatic solution for Cuba to receive the fuel,” she said, according to Bloomberg.
On 06FEB, the Cuban government announced emergency measures, including a four‑day work week for state companies and tighter fuel sale restrictions to conserve limited supplies.
A number of international airlines have also adjusted operations to the Caribbean island. Air France said its planes would make refuelling stops elsewhere in the Caribbean in flying to Cuba, while Russia’s largest carrier, Aeroflot, cancelled its Monday flight and used the empty plane to repatriate tourists, as roughly 4,500 Russians are still on the island. Aeroflot outbound flights to Cuba will remain suspended until late March.
