What Air Canada, WestJet passengers should know amid Cuba jet fuel shortage
Travellers from Canada heading to Cuba for a respite from winter could face uncertainty for their upcoming trip.
Canadians tourists travelling to Cuba could see their plans affected by the ongoing shortages currently plaguing the island. Reuters reports that an operational notice from the Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) system, which alerts pilots to operational issues, states that Cuba will no longer be able to refuel on the island starting Tuesday. It explains that the country is running out of aviation fuel, and the shortage is expected to last from Feb. 9 to March 11.
Al Jazeera reports that the U.S. oil blockade is causing an energy crisis in Cuba, prompting the government to ration fuel and limit available electricity each day. The shortage has impacted daily life, disrupting transportation within the country and resulting in shorter school days and workweeks.
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As fuel will no longer be available in any of island’s airports, carriers arriving in the country must carry extra fuel, stop in other countries, or cancel flights.
In a statement shared with Daily Hive, Air Canada says that as of Monday, it’s suspending its service to Cuba. It will operate empty flights from Canada to Cuba to pick up approximately 3,000 passengers and return them home.
“Air Canada took the decision following advisories issued by governments (NOTAMs) regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports,” states the release. “For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary.”
Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations customers with scheduled trips to Cuba who experienced flight cancellations will automatically receive a full refund. According to Air Canada’s website, customers who purchased a travel package or flight on or before Feb. 5 for trips scheduled between now and Feb. 25 can modify their booking without fees and rebook a different travel plan.
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In an email to Daily Hive, WestJet says that it has activated its Flex Change/Cancel policy, allowing travellers to Cuba to adjust their plans without penalty.
“Sunwing.ca has also been updated with flexible travel options for Sunwing Vacations guests. Our focus continues to remain on the safety of our guests and our WestJetters,” states an airline representative. “It is also important to note that all WestJet flights arrive in Cuba with sufficient fuel to safely depart Cuba.”
Canada’s travel advisory for Cuba warns tourists “worsening shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine, which can also affect resorts.”
It’s not the first time Cuba has experienced an aviation fuel shortage.
In 2025, a similar issue forced airlines to refuel in nearby countries such as Panama, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and the U.S.