Air Canada suspends Cuba flights as jet fuel runs out at nine airports

Cuban authorities have issued a NOTAM stating Jet A‑1 fuel will be unavailable at nine international airports from Feb 10 to Mar 11 (05:00 UTC). Air Canada has suspended flights and will repatriate about 3,000 customers using ferry flights. Seasonal services to Holguín and Santa Clara are canceled for the rest of winter; year‑round routes to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative May 1 restart. Air Transat, WestJet, Sunwing, Iberia, and Air Europa plan operational adjustments, including technical refueling stops.

Cuba has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) advising that Jet A‑1 fuel will be unavailable at nine international airports from February 10 at 05:00 UTC until at least March 11 at 05:00 UTC. The affected airports are José Martí International (Havana), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Manzanillo.

In response, Air Canada has suspended all flights to Cuba effective Monday and is arranging the return of approximately 3,000 customers via empty southbound ferry flights over the coming days. These return services may carry additional fuel and conduct technical stops as needed. Air Canada has canceled its seasonal services to Holguín and Santa Clara for the remainder of the winter season. Its year‑round routes to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative restart date of May 1. The airline has introduced flexible rebooking options and automatic full refunds for affected tickets, with local support provided for customers currently in Cuba.

Other carriers are adjusting operations. Air Transat, WestJet, and Sunwing have indicated plans to continue flying by arriving with sufficient fuel for the return leg. Iberia is offering changes of date or destination, vouchers, or refunds while maintaining its Spain–Cuba services and may refuel in the Dominican Republic if required. Air Europa has confirmed technical layovers in Santo Domingo for refueling, resulting in operational adjustments in the near term. Flights between Miami and Cuba are continuing as scheduled, aided by the short sector length that allows operations without refueling in Cuba.

During the NOTAM period, airlines serving Cuba are expected to manage additional operational constraints, including carrying extra fuel from origin or scheduling refueling stops in third countries. Passengers with upcoming travel to or from Cuba should check directly with their airline for the latest flight status, rebooking options, and any changes to routings or schedules.