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TORONTO, ONTARIO – In a significant development, Air Canada announced on Monday its decision to halt all flights to Cuba due to a critical shortage of aviation fuel on the island.
The airline, which is the largest in Canada, made this decision following a statement from the Cuban government indicating that Cuban airports would be unable to supply aviation fuel starting Tuesday.
Cuba is currently grappling with an escalating energy crisis, exacerbated by a U.S. embargo that restricts oil shipments to the island nation.
The Canadian tourism sector plays a crucial role in Cuba’s economy. According to Global Affairs Canada, the country ranks as Cuba’s second-largest source of direct investment, particularly in the mining and tourism industries. Both sectors have struggled to rebound fully from the downturn caused by the pandemic.
In response to the situation, Air Canada plans to deploy empty aircraft to Cuba in the coming days to repatriate approximately 3,000 passengers stranded on the island.
Air Transat and West Jet/Sunwing both say they intend to continue flights as planned despite the fuel announcement.
Air Canada says its flight suspension begins Monday.
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