Air Canada Suspends Flights to Cuba Amid Fuel Shortage
In a recent development highlighting the severity of Cuba's energy crisis, Air Canada announced on February 9, 2026, the suspension of all flights to the island due to a critical fuel shortage. This situation comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on Cuba's energy imports.
The airline stated in an official release that it will operate empty return flights from Canada in the coming days to repatriate approximately 3,000 stranded passengers in Cuba, emphasizing that this decision prioritizes passenger safety and operational continuity.
According to official sources, Cuban authorities have informed all airlines operating flights to and from the country about the suspension of jet fuel supplies for a duration of one month, effective from midnight on Monday. This unprecedented measure underscores the gravity of the energy crisis.
A Cuban official, who requested anonymity, stated that the Cuban Civil Aviation Institute notified companies that “there will be no fuel supply operations starting at 00:00 local time on Tuesday, February 10,” specifying that this measure will remain in effect for one month.
He added that airlines operating long-haul flights will be required to make a “technical stop” for refueling 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 suspension of oil supplies under U.S. pressure, which has threatened tariffs on any country selling oil to Havana.
In an effort to mitigate the impact of the crisis, the Cuban government announced last Friday a series of emergency measures, including reducing the workweek to four days, expanding telecommuting in government institutions and state-owned enterprises, and imposing strict restrictions on fuel sales.
It is noteworthy that following the cessation of oil shipments from Venezuela after the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this 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 intensifying its crisis.
