Due to an acute fuel shortage, Canadian airline Air Canada pulls the emergency brake and suspends all flights to Cuba for now. Only rescue flights will take place. In the coming days, only empty planes will take off towards the Caribbean island to take away from Cuba, as planned, about 3,000 tourists stuck on the island. Then there will be silence.
What is particularly painful is that Canadians make up the lion's share of tourists visiting Cuba. The shock among tourists and tour operators is therefore enormous. Air Canada emphasizes that it will “continue to monitor the situation with a view to making a decision on resuming normal flights to Cuba at a later date.”
The reason for this difficult situation is the American oil embargo, which is plunging Cuba into an increasingly deeper crisis.
The government in Havana has already informed international airlines that from Tuesday it will no longer be possible to refuel on the island. This information was reported by the media, citing pilots and airlines. Even the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is sounding the alarm and warning about the lack of aviation fuel at the Havana airport.
Other airlines react, introducing emergency solutions. Air Europa plans to land in the Dominican Republic to refuel, Spanish daily El Pais reports. Spanish airline Iberia offers refunds and rebookings – as does Air Canada. Canada's WestJet is also limiting its routes to Cuba.
Interestingly, American airlines such as American Airlines are not affected by this problem. They fly from nearby airports in Florida and, according to their information, have enough fuel for the return flight.
American Airlines planes stand on the tarmac at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, February 9, 2026.YAMIL LAGE / AFP / AFP
Faced with the energy crisis, the Cuban government announced drastic emergency measures over the weekend. A four-day working week was introduced in state-owned enterprises. In addition, the sale of gasoline and bus and rail traffic were restricted. Further austerity measures include shortening school days and reducing compulsory attendance at universities. Some tourist sites also remain closed.
“Strangulation” tactics
Meanwhile, Russia adopted a confrontational attitude accuses the US government of using the so-called suffocation tactics. According to the Kremlin, American sanctions are to blame, as they are aimed at forcing the Caribbean island to yield.
— The situation in Cuba is critical, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He stressed that Russia remains in intensive contact with the Cuban government and is considering all possible assistance. At the same time, Peskov made it clear that Moscow would oppose any form of military intervention.
The article continues below the video
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also does not hide his outrage. He confirmed Moscow's solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela — and criticized US policy. “We firmly oppose 'neo-colonial practices,'” Lavrov wrote on his ministry's website.
Trump tightens the noose
The US government for weeks increases pressure on the communist authorities of Cuba. Since December, after Donald Trump ordered a total blockade of sanctioned tankers from the South American ally, oil from Venezuela has no longer reached the island.
Then the US president also threatened tariffs on other oil suppliers. Mexico, which has recently become the most important supplier of oil to Cuba, also suspended deliveries in response.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
