Air Canada suspends flights to Cuba as fuel crisis deepens

Tuesday 10 February 2026 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Air Canada suspends flights to Cuba as fuel crisis deepens

Cuba introduced sweeping emergency measures on Monday as the island faces a rapidly worsening energy crisis, intensified by US pressure aimed at cutting off its oil supplies. The government ordered a four-day workweek for state-run enterprises, shortened school hours, suspended university classes and reduced public transport services, while also imposing limits on fuel sales.

The emergency protocols took effect as Havana’s streets became noticeably quieter, with the communist government seeking to conserve fuel reserves that are dwindling fast. Air Canada said on Monday it was suspending all flights to Cuba after Cuban authorities warned that aviation fuel would no longer be available at the island’s airports starting Tuesday, February 10.

The situation reflects a sharp deterioration in energy availability across the country. Daily power cuts in Havana now regularly last between 10 and 12 hours, while rural and eastern regions are experiencing outages of up to 20 hours. The crisis has forced the cancellation of major events, including the Havana International Book Fair, and prompted changes to the national baseball season. Banks have reduced operating hours, cultural events have been called off and fuel distribution companies have announced that sales will be capped at 20 liters per person and conducted exclusively in US dollars.

Universities nationwide have closed, with the University of Holguín suspending classes until March. Interprovincial bus services have been halted in several provinces, and train departures have been reduced to one every eight days, further disrupting mobility and economic activity.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the severity of the crisis in a televised address last Thursday while proposing dialogue with Washington. He said Cuba was willing to engage in talks with the United States on any subject, but only without pressure or preconditions, stressing that discussions must take place on an equal footing and with respect for Cuban sovereignty.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned what he described as a brutal act of aggression against Cuba, accusing Washington of enforcing the longest and most severe blockade ever imposed on an entire nation.

The impact of the fuel shortage is also being felt internationally. Air Canada said it would operate empty flights over the coming days to repatriate around 3,000 Canadian tourists stranded on the island. The airline normally operates 16 weekly flights to four Cuban destinations.

The fuel crisis is another blow to an economy that once generated about $3 billion annually from tourism. Independent analysts estimate that Cuba has roughly 14 to 20 days of fuel remaining if no new oil shipments arrive. The Trump administration has threatened to impose tariffs on any country supplying oil to the communist-led island, effectively cutting Cuba off from its traditional supplier, Venezuela, and deepening the pressure on an already fragile energy system.