Air Canada suspends all flights to Cuba, effective immediately – National
In a news release shared with Global News, Air Canada said that over the following days, the airline will operate empty flights southbound to pick up “approximately 3,000 customers already at destination and return them home.”
“Air Canada took the decision following advisories issued by governments (NOTAMs) regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. It is projected that as of February 10 aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports. For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make a technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary,” the news release added.
Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date, according to the company.
Air Canada says its immediate priority “is to return customers already in Cuba to Canada.”
“It will operate empty ferry flights to the island over the coming days to maintain its regular schedule from Cuba to Canada over the near-term to pick up these customers,” Air Canada added.
Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations are also introducing a flexible rebooking policy for customers travelling to Cuba, while introducing a refund policy that allows customers who had scheduled departures to Cuba and experienced flight cancellations to automatically receive a full refund in their original form of payment. Air Canada says these customers do not need to contact Air Canada Vacation’s Contact Centre.
Those people currently in Cuba who booked an Air Canada Vacations package will receive direct support from Air Canada Vacations’ local representatives.
WestJet and Air Transat confirm flights still running
WestJet and Air Transat have not yet suspended flights.
Air Transat confirmed in a statement to Global News that it will continue to “operate flights as scheduled by implementing contingency measures.”
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“We have been informed by Cuban authorities of a temporary suspension of kerosene supply at airports across the country. Despite this situation, which is beyond our control, we expect to operate our flights as scheduled by implementing contingency measures, such as a technical stop when necessary,” a spokesperson for Air Transat said.
“In the meantime, we remain in close communication with local authorities and are closely monitoring the situation,” the airline added.
Air Transat has implemented a “special flexibility policy for customers with upcoming travel to Cuba.”
For those departing up to Feb. 28, date or destination changes are permitted without penalty, or a full refund will be issued. For departures between March 1 and April 30, date or destination changes are permitted without penalty, with a travel credit issued for the value of the original booking.
WestJet, in a statement to Global News, confirmed it is still maintaining flights to the island nation, and assured passengers that “flights arrive in Cuba with sufficient fuel to safely depart Cuba.”
“WestJet has activated its Flex Change/Cancel policy on westjet.com, enabling guests with upcoming travel to Cuba to adjust their plans without penalty. Sunwing.ca has also been updated with flexible travel options for Sunwing Vacations guests,” a spokesperson for WestJet Media & Sunwing Media said.
“Our focus continues to remain on the safety of our guests and our WestJetters. It is also important to note, that all WestJet flights arrive in Cuba with sufficient fuel to safely depart Cuba,” the airline added.
Transport Canada told Global News it continues “to monitor the situation closely and is working with Canadian air carriers, which are responsible for maintaining and implementing appropriate contingency plans.”
“Travellers are advised to check their flight status with their carrier and consult the Government of Canada’s official travel information and advice,” Transport Canada added.
Cuba travel advisory
The Government of Canada recently updated its travel warnings for many popular vacation destinations, including Cuba.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to worsening shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine, which can also affect resorts. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate, disrupting flight availability on short notice,” the warning said.
Canada’s travel advisory warns travellers that Cuba schedules “long daily power cuts” to reduce pressure on the electrical network.
“Sometimes, unexpected nationwide power outages occur and can last more than 24 hours,” the warning said.
Most large hotels and resorts use generators during power outages but fuel shortages may impact generator use and the availability or various services and utilities such as food service, light, running water and hot water, according to the warning.
It’s advised that Canadians travelling to Cuba monitor local media for the latest information, try to keep your phone charged and plan accordingly.
The advisories also notes that Cuba faces “chronic and severe shortages of basic necessities” including things like food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, fuel and hard currency.
“Fuel shortages affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations,” the warning said.
Read the full Cuba travel advisory from the Canadian government.
Trump threatens tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba
The Cuban fuel shortage began after Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba last week.
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The order would primarily put pressure on Mexico, a government that has acted as an oil lifeline for Cuba, and has constantly voiced solidarity for the U.S. adversary, even as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sought to build a strong relationship with Trump.
Trump was asked by a reporter Thursday whether he was trying to “choke off” Cuba, which he called a “failing nation.”
“The word ‘choke off’ is awfully tough,” Trump said. “I’m not trying to, but it looks like it’s something that’s just not going to be able to survive.”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and a number of other Cuban officials condemned Trump’s executive order. Rodríguez called it a “brutal act of aggression against Cuba and its people … who are now threatened with being subjected to extreme living conditions.”
— With files from The Associated Press
Are you a Canadian in Cuba or who has been impacted by a cancelled flight to Cuba? Send us a message using the contact form below or by emailing shareyourstory@globalnews.ca and we may be in touch for future reporting.
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