Cuba's Aviation Fuel Crisis Deepens Amid US Sanctions
Cuba, a once-popular Caribbean destination for UK and international holidaymakers, is edging towards paralysis due to intensified US sanctions. The island's aviation authorities have issued a stark warning: no aviation fuel will be available for the next month, leading to dozens of flight cancellations to and from Havana and other Cuban airports.
Simultaneously, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advisory, highlighting severe power cuts across Cuba, with some outages lasting over 24 hours. These disruptions stem from a critical shortage of fuel for generators, exacerbating the island's precarious situation.
Root Causes of the Fuel Shortage
The fuel crisis traces back to the US seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, which interrupted a key oil supply line for Cuba. While Mexican suppliers initially stepped in to cover the deficit, an executive order by Donald Trump, effective from 30 January, imposed punitive tariffs on any country providing oil to Cuba. This move has effectively dried up supplies, citing threats to US national security and foreign policy.
Impact on Air Travel and Flight Cancellations
Cuba, with its limited flight network, faces further scarcity as aviation authorities declared Jet A1 fuel unavailable from 5am GMT on 10 February until 11 March. This affects major airports including Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. In response, Air Canada has cancelled its entire weekly schedule of 32 flights between Canada and Cuba, citing unreliable fuel supplies. WestJet has also begun cancelling some services.
For British travellers using connecting flights via Canada, full refunds are available if booked through affected airlines. Passengers stranded in Cuba will be repatriated via special "ferry flights," with Air Canada planning to tanker extra fuel or make technical stops in locations like the Bahamas for refuelling.
European and Regional Flight Adjustments
Many airlines, such as Iberia, Air Europa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, operating from Europe to Cuba, are expected to implement technical stops to refuel for return journeys. Flights from nearby airports, including Miami, may continue by tankering in fuel, but the overall travel landscape remains uncertain.
On-Island Shortages and Travel Disruptions
The Foreign Office warns of daily prolonged power outages exceeding 24 hours, impacting water supply, refrigeration, and communications. Fuel shortages have led to long queues at petrol stations and affected transportation, with resorts and businesses struggling due to reliance on generators. The Cuban government has imposed strict fuel purchase limits from 7 February 2026, forcing some tourists to be relocated to conserve generator fuel.
Travellers are advised to conserve resources and prepare for significant disruptions. If the Foreign Office issues a travel warning against visiting Cuba, holidaymakers would be entitled to full refunds; otherwise, cancellation rights depend on the feasibility of the planned itinerary.
This crisis underscores the broader trauma to Cuban tourism, as sanctions ripple through the economy and daily life, leaving both locals and visitors grappling with unprecedented challenges.
