Air Canada is pausing its flights to Cuba due to a jet fuel shortage. This issue arises as the U.S. tightens restrictions on oil supplies coming from Venezuela to Cuba. Starting February 10, Cuba is set to face fuel shortages that could last until March 11. Despite earlier assurances from Cuban officials that air travel would not be affected, Air Canada announced it would need to suspend operations.
The Cuban Aviation Corporation has released a statement, insisting they are committed to maintaining air travel safety. They did not address the fuel shortage directly, which has left passengers worried. One traveler, Benigno Gonzalez from Cuba, expressed concern about how this will impact future travel.
Due to these restrictions, Air Europa, a Spanish airline, plans to make refueling stops in the Dominican Republic for its Madrid-Havana route. Other airlines, like WestJet, are also beginning to wind down their Cuban operations while planning to assist customers in returning home.
Cuba has faced fuel shortages before, often relying on other countries for support. In past crises, airlines have had to refuel in nearby nations like Panama and the Bahamas. Currently, airlines like American Airlines and Delta continue to operate flights to Cuba without issues, as they have enough fuel for their routes.
Historically, Cuba has depended heavily on Venezuela for fuel, but the relationship has soured amid U.S. sanctions. In December, a significant shipment of jet fuel from Venezuela was halted, straining Cuba’s fuel supply even further. The ongoing situation highlights how geopolitical issues can have direct impacts on everyday life for individuals and businesses alike.
For more detailed information on the geopolitical situation affecting Cuba, check out reports from Reuters.
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Air Canada, fuel shortage, Cuba, Venezuela, aviation fuel, Cuban Aviation Corporation, jet fuel, fuel rationing, Air Europa
