Airlines Cut Flights As Cuba Runs Out of Jet Fuel

The Cuban government has told airlines it does not have enough jet fuel to refuel planes on the island, forcing flights to be cancelled, delayed, or rerouted as the country’s energy crisis deepens.

Aviation officials in Havana said fuel will not be available at nine airports, including the capital’s José Martí International, from February 11 through March 11. The shortage follows new U.S. sanctions signed by President Donald Trump in January that block Cuba’s access to oil from Venezuela and Mexico. Both countries were Cuba’s biggest suppliers of imported oil.

Although Mexico has stopped sending oil, its president announced a shipment of 536 tonnes of humanitarian aid to help ease the crisis.

The impact is already being felt by travellers. Air Canada has suspended all flights to Cuba and is arranging special flights to bring stranded passengers home. Other airlines have reduced or halted service, saying they cannot depend on fuel being available.

Tourism, one of Cuba’s main sources of income, is being hit especially hard during the busy winter travel season. Some airlines are now considering refuelling in nearby countries such as the Dominican Republic or Mexico to keep flights operating.

Inside Cuba, the shortage is part of a wider crisis. Residents are facing frequent power outages, limited public transportation, and strict fuel rationing. The Associated Press reports that fuel sales are now limited to 20 litres per person, and fuel companies are no longer accepting payment in Cuban pesos.