Cuban Aviation Paralyzed: Airports Without Fuel Until Mid-March

The energy crisis in Cuba has reached a new and critical level of paralysis. Civil aviation authorities have issued an official notification (NOTAM) stating that nine of the country’s main airports, including Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, have no fuel available for refueling aircraft. This measure, which is currently projected until March 11, 2026, threatens to further isolate the island from the rest of the world.

Infrastructure on the Verge of Collapse

The fuel shortage is not only affecting ground transportation and electricity generation, where blackouts already cover more than 60% of the national territory, but is now striking at the heart of tourism and international connections. Several airlines have already begun cancelling flights or rescheduling them with instructions that aircraft must carry enough fuel for the round trip—a technical limitation for long-distance flights from Europe or the Southern Cone.

Affected airports, in addition to the capital, include:

• Varadero (Juan Gualberto Gomez)
• Santiago de Cuba (Antonio Maceo)
• Camaguey (Ignacio Agramonte)
• Holguín (Frank Pais)

Impact on Tourism and the Economy

This energy “exclusion zone” comes at a devastating moment for the Cuban economy. With the Cuban peso plummeting to 510 CUP per dollar and inflation spiral, tourism was one of the few sources of foreign currency keeping the minimal state infrastructure operational. The inability to guarantee fuel for visitors’ return trips puts contracts with tour operators and the confidence of international travelers at risk.

Experts point out that the situation is a direct consequence of the capture of strategic allies and the new pressures from the Trump administration in the United States, which has drastically hampered the arrival of tankers from Venezuela and Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long will the fuel shortage at the airports last? According to the official statement, the refueling restriction is scheduled until March 11, 2026, although it could be extended depending on the arrival of new supplies.

Which airlines are affected? Almost all international airlines operating to Cuba are affected. Those operating short routes (from Florida or Mexico) can travel with “tankering” (carrying fuel for the return flight), but transatlantic routes face imminent cancellations.

Is Havana airport closed? No, the airports remain open, but only for aircraft that do not require local refueling. This drastically limits operations and allowed passenger loads.

Does this affect domestic flights? Yes, domestic flights are practically paralyzed due to the absolute priority of the few existing supplies for emergency services.

Conclusion

Aviation isolation is an alarming sign of the depth of the current crisis. While Cubans cook with charcoal and face darkened cities, the disconnection of international air traffic marks a turning point reminiscent of the harshest moments of the Special Period, but with a much more deteriorated infrastructure.

Sources: Infobae, BBC News Mundo, El Independiente.

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