Air Canada has announced it will halt flights to Cuba due to a significant jet fuel shortage. The situation is tied to U.S. restrictions that have limited oil shipments from Venezuela, a primary fuel supplier for Cuba.
Starting February 10, fuel availability at Cuban airports is expected to be irregular and supply shortfalls may persist until March 11. Just a few days prior, Cuban authorities had stated air travel would remain unaffected by the rationing plan. The Cuban Aviation Corporation reassured that they are working to maintain safety and order in the airspace.
As airlines adapt, Spanish carrier Air Europa will now refuel in the Dominican Republic for flights between Madrid and Havana. It’s not the first time Cuba has faced fuel issues; the country has struggled with supply consistently, forcing airlines to make refueling stops in nearby countries.
Air Canada plans to send empty flights to Cuba to bring home around 3,000 travelers, using extra fuel for their return. Similarly, WestJet is winding down its operations in Cuba while still assisting customers returning to Canada.
Travelers in Cuba are understandably anxious. Many have expressed concern over the ever-changing situation, fearing how it will affect their plans. One traveler, Benigno Gonzalez, highlighted the uncertainty by saying, “Today it’s one thing, and tomorrow it’s another.”
Interestingly, U.S. airlines like American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta are still operating flights to Cuba without trouble. They report having enough fuel reserves for their routes.
For years, Cuba has heavily depended on Venezuela for its fuel supply, but that supply has diminished since mid-December when the U.S. tightened its blockade on Venezuela’s exports. This has left Cuba without a key source of jet fuel, putting pressure on its airline operations.
Reports indicate that Venezuela’s state oil company had prepared to send a shipment of jet fuel to Cuba but could not proceed due to these constraints. The current situation reflects a broader struggle for Cuba, which has faced fuel shortages in various forms over the years, often leading to adaptive strategies from both the airlines and travelers.
Overall, the flight cancellations and shortages reveal not just the challenges airlines face but also the individuals impacted by these changes. The unpredictability underscores the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the ever-shifting landscape of air travel. For further details on the situation, you can check current updates from reliable sources like Reuters.
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Air Canada, fuel shortage, Cuba, Venezuela, aviation fuel, Cuban Aviation Corporation, jet fuel, fuel rationing, Air Europa
