Cuba Flights Air Canada & WestJet Suspended (Feb 2026)

For thousands of Canadians dreaming of a sunny getaway, the latest news out of Havana has landed like a cold snap. Major carriers have abruptly paused operations to the Caribbean island, leaving vacationers scrambling for information. If you are searching for updates on Cuba flights Air Canada or WestJet, here is the breakdown of the current aviation fuel crisis and what it means for your travel plans.

The Situation: Why Are Cuba Flights Being Cancelled?

In a move that caught many off guard, both Air Canada and WestJet officially announced the suspension of flights to Cuba effective Monday, February 9, 2026. The decision stems from a critical infrastructure failure on the ground in Cuba, rather than any issue with the airlines themselves.

The “Jet A1” Fuel Shortage Explained

The root cause is a severe shortage of aviation fuel. Cuban officials issued a NOTAM—an official alert to aviation personnel—warning that “Jet A1 fuel is not available” at Havana’s José Martí International Airport and other hubs across the island.

According to reports from CTV News, this isn’t a minor hiccup. The alert is expected to remain in effect until at least March 11, 2026. Without reliable fuel access, airlines cannot guarantee they can refuel for the return leg of the journey, forcing them to ground operations to ensure passenger safety.

Airline Contingency Plans: Who Is Flying and Who Isn’t?

Navigating airline policies during a crisis is stressful. Here is how Canada’s major carriers are reacting to the fuel deficit.

Air Canada & WestJet: The Suspension Strategy

Air Canada has taken the hardest line on safety, suspending flights to lessen the risk of stranding passengers.

The Plan: They are operating empty “ferry flights” into Cuba. These planes carry enough fuel to land, pick up passengers, and return to Canada without needing to refuel on the island.
The Numbers: Approximately 3,000 Air Canada customers currently in Cuba are being evacuated via these rescue flights.
Cancellations: Seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the season. Routes to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative restart date of May 1, pending review.

WestJet (including Sunwing Vacations) has implemented a similar “wind down.”

Timeline: Operations began winding down on February 9, with a planned resumption on April 26.
Safety First: Like their competitor, WestJet is sending empty aircraft to retrieve guests. They confirmed to CBC News that all aircraft dispatched will carry sufficient fuel to safely depart without relying on local supplies.

Air Transat: The “Tankering” Exception

Interestingly, Air Transat is adopting a different strategy. They have chosen not to halt flights entirely.

The Workaround: They are using a method often called “tankering,” where aircraft carry extra fuel from Canada to avoid refueling in Cuba.
Alternatives: If necessary, they plan to make technical stops in nearby countries like the Dominican Republic or Mexico to top up.
Flexibility: Despite keeping flights running, they are offering flexible rebooking policies for travelers who no longer wish to go.

The Geopolitical Ripple Effect

You might be asking, “Why is there suddenly no fuel?” The answer lies in complex geopolitics that have trickled down to the tarmac.

Why Now? The Venezuela Connection

This shortage is a direct result of broken supply chains. Historically, Cuba relied heavily on Venezuela for its crude and refined oil products. However, recent geopolitical tensions—specifically the deposition of the Venezuelan president and subsequent U.S. blockades—have effectively halted these shipments.

As noted by the Toronto Star, threats of tariffs on other suppliers like Mexico and Russia have further squeezed the island’s energy imports. This has created a domino effect: power outages are common, public transit in Havana has ground to a halt, and now, the tourism industry—a vital $3 billion economic lifeline—is taking a direct hit.

Stuck in Paradise: What This Means for Canadian Travelers

If you are currently on the island or have a booking coming up, the situation is fluid. Global Affairs Canada has updated its advisory, urging a “high degree of caution.”

Refunds, Rebooking, and Rescue Flights

If you are in Cuba: Sit tight and wait for official communication. Airlines are prioritizing getting you home. As travelers stuck in Varadero told reporters, the anxiety is real, but rescue flights are being scheduled.
If you have a future booking:
- Air Canada: Customers with affected flights are generally receiving full refunds.
- WestJet: Offering flexible changes or cancellations for travel dates through late February.
- Traveler Tip: Check your email and the “Manage My Booking” section of your airline’s app hourly.

The situation underscores the fragility of international travel. While some travelers were able to pivot their plans to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, others are facing cancelled holidays. The consensus from experts is clear: safety comes first. If the planes can’t gas up, they can’t go up.

Related Reads:

Air Canada & WestJet Suspend Cuba Flights Through March 2026