Cuba's Airports Face Widespread Aviation Fuel Shortage, Disrupting International Flights

Nationwide Aviation Fuel Shortage Hits Cuban Airports

All nine of Cuba's international airports are currently experiencing a severe shortage of aviation fuel, specifically Jet A-1, leading to significant disruptions in international air travel. Cuban aviation authorities issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) on February 8, 2026, indicating that fuel would be unavailable from February 10 through at least March 11, 2026. This advisory affects key hubs including José Martí International Airport in Havana, as well as airports in Varadero, Santa Clara, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, and Cayo Coco.

Airlines Adjust Operations Amidst Crisis

The widespread fuel scarcity has forced numerous international airlines to review their routes, implement technical stops, or temporarily cancel services to the Caribbean nation. Among the most significantly impacted are Canadian carriers, which dominate Cuba's leisure travel market:

• Air Canada has suspended all services to Cuba, effective immediately. The airline is operating empty southbound ferry flights to repatriate approximately 3,000 travelers currently in Cuba. Seasonal services to Holguin and Santa Clara have been canceled for the remainder of the season, while flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative restart date of May 1.
• WestJet has initiated an 'orderly wind down' of its winter operations to Cuba, dispatching empty aircraft with sufficient fuel for the return journey to bring home passengers.
• Air Transat has also suspended all flights to Cuba, initially through April 30, and is arranging repatriation flights and offering refunds for affected customers.

European airlines, including Air Europa, Iberia, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, are reportedly planning technical refueling stops in third countries such as the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, or Mexico to maintain services. In contrast, U.S. carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines are less affected due to shorter flight distances from Florida, allowing them to carry enough fuel for round trips without needing to refuel locally.

Geopolitical Factors and Broader Energy Crisis

The aviation fuel shortage is a direct consequence of a deeper energy crisis gripping Cuba, largely attributed to recent geopolitical developments and U.S. policy. A key factor was the severance of Cuba's primary oil supply from Venezuela following a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which led to the detainment of President Nicolás Maduro. Furthermore, an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29, 2026, threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, prompting Mexico, a significant supplier, to halt its exports.

Cuban officials, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, have publicly blamed the U.S. 'energy blockade' for the crisis, which they compare to the 'Special Period' of the 1990s. The broader fuel scarcity has led to widespread power outages, disruptions in public transportation, and the cancellation of various events, placing immense strain on the island's economy and daily life.

Impact on Tourism and Economic Outlook

The ongoing fuel crisis poses a significant threat to Cuba's vital tourism sector, a crucial source of foreign currency. The inability of airlines to refuel locally and the resulting flight cancellations are expected to further depress visitor numbers, which had already seen an 18% drop in 2025 compared to 2024. Some resorts have already been forced to close or reduce their bookings. The Cuban government has stated its commitment to overcoming the challenges, implementing emergency measures and rationing fuel to prioritize essential services, including aspects of the tourism sector.