Air Canada Grounds Flights To Cuba Amid Jet Fuel Emergency, Stranding Thousands Of Tourists As Major Resort Closures And Tourism Chaos Unfolds

Air Canada has grounded all flights to Cuba in response to a severe jet fuel shortage that has left the island’s tourism infrastructure in disarray. The airline’s decision to halt services, effective from February 9, 2026, is due to warnings from Cuban authorities that aviation fuel is running out at key airports, including Havana and Varadero, with shortages expected to last until mid-March. As a result, thousands of Canadian tourists have been stranded, and widespread resort closures have further escalated the chaos. The island’s dependence on international tourism is now under strain, leaving travelers facing significant disruptions to their holiday plans and a deteriorating situation on the ground.

In February 2026, a crisis unfolded in Cuba as the island’s tourism infrastructure faced severe setbacks due to an alarming shortage of aviation fuel. For years, Cuba has been a prime winter getaway for travelers, particularly from Canada, who flock to its sandy beaches and historic streets. However, recent fuel shortages have disrupted both air travel and the daily operations of resorts, affecting thousands of travelers and forcing major airlines to adjust their schedules.

Air Canada Suspends Flights to Cuba: A Drastic Step Amid Fuel Crisis

One of the most significant developments to emerge from the ongoing fuel shortage has been Air Canada’s decision to suspend all flights to Cuba. This decision, announced on February 9, 2026, was driven by the airline’s inability to secure sufficient fuel supplies. The suspension, which will last until at least May 1, 2026, has affected a large number of Canadian tourists, particularly those who planned vacations during the peak winter season.

Air Canada has made provisions for passengers already in Cuba by operating empty flights to bring them back home. These flights will accommodate roughly 3,000 passengers, allowing them to return to Canada safely. The airline has also confirmed that affected travelers will receive full refunds, acknowledging the impact of these cancellations on their plans.

This unexpected disruption has raised significant concerns regarding the sustainability of air travel to Cuba, especially as the island grapples with its ongoing fuel supply issues. It also highlights the vulnerability of international tourism to logistical failures, particularly in destinations reliant on consistent and predictable flight schedules.

Cuba’s Jet Fuel Shortage: Causes and Consequences

Cuba’s jet fuel crisis has its roots in the combination of a global energy crisis and tight international sanctions. The island’s inability to source adequate fuel supplies has caused widespread disruptions at major airports, with Havana’s José Martí International Airport and other key travel hubs being affected. According to reports, Cuba anticipates running out of jet fuel entirely within a matter of days, with shortages expected to persist until at least mid-March 2026.

In addition to the operational challenges faced by airlines, the fuel crisis has also caused the closure of several prominent resorts, particularly those located along Cuba’s northern coast. Major tourist destinations like Varadero and Cayo Coco, which have traditionally been popular among international tourists, are feeling the effects of this crisis. These closures have left many visitors without places to stay, and the remaining operational resorts are struggling to accommodate the increased number of guests.

Impact on Canadian Tourists and the Broader Tourism Sector

Canada has long been a top source of tourists for Cuba, with more than 750,000 Canadians visiting the island in 2025 alone. This large influx of travelers has been vital to the Cuban economy, particularly in the tourism sector, where the Canadian dollar plays a significant role. However, with the fuel shortage, the tourism landscape has drastically shifted, and the number of incoming tourists has declined significantly.

In the wake of these disruptions, Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism has implemented an “Efficiency and Facility Consolidation Plan.” This plan involves consolidating hotel operations and relocating guests to fewer, more stable facilities. As part of this restructuring, the Mojito Cayo Coco resort, among others, has been shut down, and visitors are being moved to other properties, such as the Sol Cayo Coco.

Reports indicate that the number of tourists visiting Cuba in February 2026 has already decreased by 18% compared to the previous year. For those still choosing to travel to Cuba, government advisories are urging travelers to prepare for the possibility of further complications, including the lack of essential supplies like food and water.

Government Warnings: A Growing Concern for Travelers

In response to the unfolding crisis, the Government of Canada has heightened its travel advisory to “Exercise a High Degree of Caution” for those planning to visit Cuba. The official travel.gc.ca portal has warned Canadians of the ongoing shortages affecting not only jet fuel but also critical resources such as food, clean water, and medical supplies.

The Canadian government’s advisory also mentions the growing challenges faced by Cuban hotels, which are often forced to rely on backup generators to maintain basic amenities. However, with the continued fuel shortages, even these backup systems are becoming unreliable. Basic services like hot water and air conditioning are no longer guaranteed in many of the resorts, which has left some travelers frustrated and unsure of how to navigate their vacations.

The government has also highlighted the importance of having valid travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and trip interruption due to infrastructure failures. Additionally, the advisory emphasizes that all Canadians traveling to Cuba should register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to ensure they can be contacted in case of a complete communication blackout.

What Travelers Can Do: Preparing for an Uncertain Future

Given the current situation in Cuba, travelers planning to visit the island in the coming months are advised to take several precautions. The most important recommendation is to ensure that travel insurance is purchased, and that it covers the potential costs of evacuations, cancellations, and unforeseen delays caused by the island’s current infrastructure crisis.

Furthermore, travelers are being urged to bring their own supplies, including bottled water, non-perishable food items like instant noodles, and portable power banks. These measures can help mitigate the effects of potential shortages and provide a level of self-sufficiency during their stay.

Travelers should also stay informed about the status of flights, especially as more airlines may adjust their schedules in response to the ongoing fuel shortages. Those who are already in Cuba should monitor local news and communication from their respective airlines to receive updates on their return flights.

Cuba’s Future: A Complex Road Ahead

The jet fuel crisis is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by island nations heavily dependent on international tourism and external resources. While Cuba has long been known for its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, the events of 2026 have brought the island’s resilience into question. As the country continues to struggle with both external pressures and internal infrastructure failures, the future of tourism in Cuba remains uncertain.

For now, those who choose to visit Cuba must do so with caution, awareness, and preparedness. The island may still offer sun-soaked beaches and lively local culture, but the logistics of getting there and staying comfortably have been significantly impacted by the ongoing crisis.

Air Canada has grounded flights to Cuba due to a severe jet fuel shortage, stranding thousands of tourists as fuel shortages and resort closures disrupt the island’s tourism industry.

The situation continues to evolve, and future travelers should be prepared for the possibility that conditions may worsen before they improve. As Cuba works to resolve its fuel shortages and restore its tourism infrastructure, travelers will need to exercise patience and adaptability. Whether the island can recover quickly or whether these disruptions will persist for months to come remains to be seen.

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