Air Canada, WestJet Rescue 3,000 Tourists from Cuba

In a dramatic development of Cuba’s energy crisis, Air Canada and WestJet have suspended all operations to the island and begun sending empty planes from Montreal and Toronto to rescue approximately 3,000 stranded Canadian tourists.

Aerial Rescue Operation

The decision comes after Cuban aviation authorities notified that no Jet A-1 fuel will be available at Cuba’s nine international airports from February 10 until at least March 11, 2026.

“Both airlines said they would send empty jets to Cuba from Montreal and Toronto to bring back roughly 3,000 Canadians currently visiting the island.” — The New York Times

Air Canada, which operates a significant portion of tourist flights to Cuba, announced a complete suspension of operations until May. WestJet has also halted its routes to the Caribbean destination.

Blow to Winter Tourism

Cuban beaches are a crucial winter destination for Canadian tourists, representing one of the most important sources of hard currency for the Cuban government. The island’s tourism industry generated approximately $3 billion in annual revenue before this crisis.

Airlines Affected Internationally

The crisis has forced adjustments from airlines worldwide:

• Air Canada and WestJet: Total suspension, rescue operations underway
• Southwest Airlines: Continues operating, but each plane carries enough fuel for round trip
• American Airlines: “Closely monitoring the situation”
• Delta Air Lines: No reported disruptions, though evaluating options
• European and Russian airlines: Evaluating stopovers in Dominican Republic or Cancún for refueling

Crisis Context

The oil blockade imposed by the Trump administration has effectively cut off Cuba’s access to its traditional fuel sources:

1. Venezuela: Shipments interrupted since December following tariff threats
2. Mexico: President Sheinbaum announced pause in oil shipments while seeking alternatives
3. Russia: Has criticized the situation but hasn’t confirmed emergency shipments

Extreme Austerity Measures

Alongside the aviation crisis, Cuba has implemented:

• University closures
• Reduced bank hours
• 4-day work week for state entities
• Suspension of cultural events
• Virtual paralysis of Havana’s public bus system

What’s Next?

Stranded Canadian tourists are receiving instructions to contact their airlines to reschedule repatriation flights. The rescue operation is expected to be completed in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the question persists: how long can Cuba sustain itself under these conditions?

Update: This story is a continuation of our coverage on the aviation fuel crisis in Cuba.

Sources: The New York Times, CBS News, Reuters