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. That means planes can no longer refuel in Cuba, making it more difficult for international airlines to fly long-haul routes to the island. Here’s what travelers need to know.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
Which airlines have suspended flights to Cuba?
Several Canadian carriers have temporarily suspended all flights to Cuba. Air Canada and Air Transat have both 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. 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 Tampa, 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.
American Airlines is continuing to operate all of its routes to Cuba, but it’s trimming its flight schedule from Miami. “As part of the continued evaluation of our operation in Cuba, we are reducing our Miami (MIA)-Havana (HAV) service between February 19 and March 28 from six to up to five daily flights,” an airline spokesperson told Traveler in an emailed statement. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make additional adjustments as necessary.”
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.
