Air Canada Suspends Flights to Cuba Amid Fuel Shortage
In a significant development highlighting the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, Air Canada announced on February 9, 2026, the suspension of all flights to the island due to a critical fuel shortage, coinciding with increasing U.S. pressure on Cuba's energy imports.
The airline stated in an official release that it will operate empty flights from Canada in the coming days to repatriate approximately 3,000 stranded passengers in Cuba, emphasizing that this decision was made for passenger safety and operational continuity.
According to official sources, Cuban authorities have informed all airlines operating flights to and from the country about a complete suspension of jet fuel supply for one month, starting at midnight on February 10. This unprecedented measure underscores the severity of the energy crisis.
A Cuban official, who requested anonymity, indicated that the civil aviation authority notified companies that “there will be no fuel supply operations starting at 00:00 local time on Tuesday, February 10,” clarifying that this measure will remain in effect for one month.
Additionally, airlines operating long-haul flights will be required to make “technical stops” to refuel outside of Cuba, while regional flights are expected to continue operating normally.
These developments occur as Cuba grapples with a severe energy crisis following Venezuela's halt of oil supplies under U.S. pressure, which threatened tariffs on any country selling oil to Havana.
In an effort to mitigate the crisis's impact, the Cuban government announced an emergency measures package last Friday, which includes reducing the workweek to four days, expanding remote work in government and state enterprises, and imposing strict restrictions on fuel sales.
It is important to note that following the cessation of oil shipments from Venezuela after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in early January, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week imposing tariffs on countries that continue to sell oil to Cuba, further isolating the island and exacerbating its ongoing crisis.
