Canadian airlines are making significant adjustments to their flight schedules to Cuba, leaving thousands of travellers in limbo. A shortage of aviation fuel on the island has prompted Air Canada to suspend all flights, while other carriers such as Air Transat and WestJet are implementing contingency plans. The situation stems from a disruption to Cuba's fuel supply, exacerbated by U. S. pressure and halted oil shipments.
Air Canada has cancelled all flights to Cuba and is operating empty flights to bring approximately 3,000 customers back to Canada. The airline stated that the decision was made following advisories about the unreliability of aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. Air Transat has suspended all flights to Cuba through April 30, offering refunds to affected customers and organizing repatriation flights. WestJet has suspended sales for flights to Cuba and is focusing on bringing current vacationers back to Canada.
The Canadian government is monitoring the situation closely. Global Affairs Canada reports that over 7,200 Canadians are registered as being in Cuba. The government is advising Canadians in Cuba to be prepared to change their travel plans on short notice, as the situation remains unpredictable. Some tourists have been consolidated into fewer hotels to conserve energy.
The fuel shortage has raised concerns about the impact on Cuba's tourism industry, a vital source of revenue for the country. Some Canadians have criticized those vacationing in Cuba, calling it "unethical" to support the authoritarian regime amidst the ongoing crisis. Airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refund policies to help mitigate the disruption for travellers.
