Russia pledges oil aid to Cuba amid tourist evacuation
Russia has launched emergency evacuation flights for thousands of its citizens stranded in Cuba after a severe jet fuel shortage disrupted air traffic to and from the Caribbean island. The crisis has left Cuba without stable fuel supplies since December, intensifying economic and humanitarian pressures across the country.
Russia’s federal aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said airlines Rossiya, part of the Aeroflot Group, and Nordwind will operate return only flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow to bring home an estimated 5,000 Russian tourists currently in Cuba. Commercial flights to the island remain suspended until fuel availability improves, according to Reuters.
Moscow promises fuel shipments as crisis deepens
Russia’s embassy in Havana announced plans to send oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian assistance in the near future, state news agency TASS reported. The embassy said it remains in constant contact with Aeroflot and Cuban aviation authorities to coordinate the safe return of Russian nationals.
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has urged citizens to refrain from traveling to Cuba and instructed tour operators to halt new package sales, citing an extraordinary situation linked to fuel shortages. Travelers who already purchased trips are being offered alternative destinations, postponement options or refunds.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the fuel situation in Cuba as critical and accused Washington of attempting to suffocate the island’s economy. He said Moscow is discussing with Cuban authorities possible solutions and ways to provide assistance.
The fuel shortfall follows tighter US restrictions on oil shipments from Venezuela after the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a move that has further strained Cuba’s access to energy supplies.
Airlines suspend flights as humanitarian concerns grow
Cuba’s civil aviation authorities warned international airlines that aviation fuel would not be available at nine airports, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, from Tuesday through at least March 11. The announcement forced carriers such as Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat to suspend flights and dispatch aircraft without passengers to repatriate stranded travelers.
Cuba produces only about one third of its domestic fuel needs, leaving it heavily dependent on imports. The current shortage has triggered widespread power outages lasting up to 10 hours, suspension of bus and train services, closure of some hotels and restrictions affecting schools and universities. Public sector employees have been placed on a four day workweek in response to energy constraints.
The humanitarian implications are drawing international attention. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres warned last week of the risk of a humanitarian collapse if Cuba’s energy needs are not met. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization is deeply concerned that conditions could deteriorate further without reliable oil supplies.
Tourism remains a vital source of revenue for Cuba’s struggling economy. In 2025, more than 130,000 Russian visitors traveled to the island, making them the third largest group of tourists after Canadians and Cubans living abroad. The suspension of flights and uncertainty over fuel availability threaten to further weaken a sector already under pressure.
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