International airlines are suspending flights to Cuba as the nation continues to face a worsening fuel shortage. As a result, Canada and the UK have both issued government advisories warning their citizens against unessential travel to the Caribbean island.
The fuel crisis began after US authorities instituted a blockade against Venezuela’s oil shipments to Cuba, cutting off a significant portion of the island’s supply. The situation escalated on February 9, when Cuban aviation officials announced the nation was running out of jet fuel.
As a result, airlines can no longer refuel in Cuba, leading several Canadian carriers to cancel their flights to the island. Air Canada and Air Transat have both temporarily halted flights to Cuba until at least May 1, 2026. WestJet has also suspended its Cuba-bound services, but has not yet announced when flights might resume.
All three Canadian airlines are issuing automatic refunds to travelers with canceled flights. For customers already in Cuba, the carriers were able to arrange special flights for their return trips. The last of those departed on February 18.
Which airlines are still operating flights to Cuba?
US airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta, are currently operating their flights to Havana and other destinations on the island as usual. That’s because most US flights to Cuba are operated out of Florida, which is a short enough distance for the planes to make it there and back without needing to refuel.
Southwest Airlines continues to operate one flight per day from Florida to Havana. “Due to the current status of aviation fuel in Cuba, Southwest Airlines is requiring aircraft that fly to Havana to carry enough fuel to also fly to their next destination,” a spokesperson tells Traveler via email. “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.”
Mexico City-based carrier Aeromexico also continues to operate its flights to Cuba for similar reasons. Spanish airline Iberia will continue to fly its Madrid-to-Havana route by adding a refueling stop in the Dominican Republic; the carrier also issued a travel waiver so passengers can delay their travel dates through the end of March at no extra charge.
Is it safe to travel to Cuba right now?
Aside from jet fuel shortages, Cuba is experiencing long lines for gasoline and frequent power outages as a result of the US oil blockade. In many parts of the country, essential infrastructure is not stable, which has led nations like Canada and the UK to advise their citizens to avoid travel to Cuba if possible.
An alert from the US Embassy in Cuba warns US travelers of the fuel shortages and advises them to be prepared for prolonged power outages. However, the US State Department has maintained its routine Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory initially issued in May 2025.
“Avoid non-essential travel to Cuba due to worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine,” the Canadian government said in a travel alert last updated on February 19. “These shortages can also affect services at resorts. Fuel availability has decreased, is difficult to predict, and may disrupt ground transportation.” The advisory notes that even though some flights are still available, airlift could become limited on short notice, and travelers “should consider leaving while options remain available.”
Similarly, the UK is warning its citizens that power outages in Cuba might “significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services,” per a February 19 travel warning from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. “If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption.”
This is a developing news story and will be updated with information.
