Canadian travellers to Cuba are facing uncertainty as Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat have all temporarily suspended flights to the country due to a critical shortage of aviation fuel at Cuban airports.
Air Canada says it is returning Canadians who are already in Cuba by operating special non-passenger flights to bring home approximately 3,000 travellers. Customers with upcoming bookings are being offered refunds or flexible rebooking options while the suspension remains in effect.
WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat are also halting operations to Cuba for the rest of the winter season, with plans to resume service later in April.
Canadians make up one of the largest groups of visitors to Cuba, and the disruption comes during peak winter travel season.
The fuel supply shortage is part of an energy crisis in Cuba, which has been impacted even more so by U.S. sanctions hindering oil shipments from key suppliers such as Venezuela and Mexico.
The federal government is advising Canadians to exercise caution when travelling to Cuba, due to ongoing shortages of fuel, along with food and other essential supplies. The fuel shortage is anticipated to last until at least March 11.
