WestJet and Air Transat Suspend Flights to Cuba Due to Fuel Shortages
The aviation fuel shortage in Cuba has rapidly escalated from a local operational issue into a full-blown crisis with a direct impact on international connectivity, particularly within the Canadian market. In a matter of hours, WestJet and Air Transat joined Air Canada in announcing the temporary suspension of their flights to the island. This decision reshapes the Caribbean’s aerial landscape in the middle of the peak winter season.
A Critical Warning from Havana
Cuba notified airlines that it could not guarantee fuel supplies at Havana’s José Martí International Airport and other international airfields on the island for at least one month, starting this Tuesday.
Air Canada was the first to react, announcing the immediate suspension of its services to Cuba’s primary tourist destination. Initially, WestJet and Air Transat attempted to maintain operations through contingency measures, including technical stops for refueling outside of Cuba. However, this solution proved to be unsustainable. Late Monday, both companies reversed their initial decision and confirmed the suspension of flights, aligning themselves with Air Canada.
→ WestJet to Connect Western Canada with South America for First Time: New Calgary-São Paulo Route
WestJet: Progressive Reduction and Passenger Repatriation
WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, immediately began reducing its operations in Cuba. According to an official statement, the Calgary-based company is sending empty aircraft to the island with a specific objective: to repatriate Canadian tourists currently on vacation.
The airline was emphatic regarding its operational safety approach: “All aircraft sent to Cuba will carry enough fuel to depart safely without depending on local fuel availability,” WestJet noted.
Air Transat: Total Suspension Until Late April
For its part, Air Transat adopted an even more decisive measure. The Montreal-based airline will suspend all flights to Cuba until April 30, confirming that it is currently in the process of repatriating customers back to Canada.
Both companies announced flexible commercial policies for passengers with existing reservations—a necessary step to contain the reputational impact in a highly competitive and price-sensitive market.
Economic Impact: A Direct Blow to the Cuban Tourism Model
The simultaneous exit of the three major Canadian airlines represents a heavy blow to Cuba, whose economy relies heavily on tourism as a source of foreign currency. This situation occurs within a context of prolonged economic sanctions by the United States, designed to pressure for political change on the island.
Tensions intensified on January 29, when Donald Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on any country that supplies oil to Cuba, raising geopolitical risks and further complicating the nation’s energy supply chain.
Official Warning from the Government of Canada
The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Cuba, urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution due to worsening shortages of electricity, fuel, and basic necessities, including food, water, and medicine.
The warning is clear in its diagnosis: The situation is “unpredictable and could deteriorate,” with potential impacts even within tourist resorts. The evolution of this crisis will undoubtedly be a key point to monitor in the coming weeks.
Related Topics
Lufthansa Under Pressure: Pilots and Cabin Crew Call for Strikes This Thursday
Lufthansa City Airlines Opens Frankfurt Base and Accelerates European Short-Haul Offensive
Ryanair Redefines Maintenance Strategy: Signs Multi-Billion Dollar Deal with CFM to Internalize Engine MRO Starting in 2029
Air Europa and Plus Ultra Announce Resumption of Flights to Venezuela
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.