Now Air Canada Joins American, Delta, Lufthansa, WestJet, Air France, and More in Mass Suspension of Flights to Cuba Amid Refuelling Crisis

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Air Canada has joined an increasing number of international carriers, including American carriers, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, WestJet, and Air France, in suspending flights to Cuba in a dramatic escalation of the aviation fuel crisis that has severely disrupted aircraft operations on the island. Since the crisis began in early February 2026, Cuban airports have been unable to provide enough fuel for inbound aircraft, which has forced several carriers to halt or drastically change their itineraries. Air Canada, one of the most impacted carriers, has suspended all flights to Cuba, joining a larger number of cancellations and disruptions that have an effect on passengers travelling to and from the island. Cuba’s already precarious tourism sector has been negatively impacted by the extensive delays, cancellations, and rerouting of several services from key international centers caused by this extraordinary fuel shortage.

Air Canada: Full Suspension of Routes to Cuba

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The Canadian airline Air Canada has officially suspended all flights to Cuba due to the aviation fuel shortage at Cuban airports. Starting from February 9, 2026, all scheduled services between Canada and Cuba have been cancelled until further notice. Routes like Toronto (YYZ) ↔ Cayo Coco (CCC), Toronto (YYZ) ↔ Varadero (VRA), Montreal (YUL) ↔ Cayo Coco (CCC), and Montreal (YUL) ↔ Varadero (VRA) have been heavily impacted by the lack of fuel availability.

For passengers already in Cuba, Air Canada is operating empty ferry flights to bring travelers back to Canada. However, no new flights to Cuba will be scheduled until the fuel situation improves in the coming months. The suspension is likely to last until May 2026, according to airline officials, with plans to re-evaluate service resumption at that time. This move aligns with Air Canada’s commitment to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers.

Air Canada Routes Affected by Fuel Shortage

American Airlines: Major U.S.–Cuba Routes Severely Affected

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American Airlines, one of the largest operators between the U.S. and Cuba, has been heavily affected by the ongoing fuel crisis. As of February 2026, flights between major hubs such as Miami (MIA) and Havana (HAV), Miami (MIA) and Varadero (VRA), and Miami (MIA) and Santiago de Cuba (SCU) have been cancelled or rerouted due to the fuel shortage.

Other flights such as Camagüey (CMW) ↔ Miami (MIA) and Holguín (HOG) ↔ Miami (MIA) are also disrupted, with services either completely suspended or severely reduced. American Airlines has offered passengers rebooking and refund options, allowing affected travelers to adjust their plans without penalty. This disruption is part of a broader effort by airlines to mitigate the operational impact of Cuba’s inability to supply fuel for arriving flights.

American Airlines Routes Affected by Fuel Shortage

Delta Air Lines: Reroutes and Cancellations on Key Routes

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Delta Air Lines, which operates several flights to Cuba from its hubs in the U.S., has suspended or modified services due to the fuel crisis. Routes between Miami (MIA) ↔ Havana (HAV) are particularly impacted. These flights have either been cancelled or rerouted, and Delta has advised travelers to expect delays and possible route changes as the airline tries to ensure that fuel shortages do not lead to safety concerns.

With the ongoing uncertainty regarding fuel availability, Delta Air Lines has suspended its scheduled services for the duration of the crisis and is offering alternative travel options for affected passengers. The airline has not yet announced a definitive resumption date, but travelers are encouraged to stay updated via the airline’s official channels.

Delta Air Lines Routes Affected by Fuel Shortage

Lufthansa: European Flights to Cuba Suspended or Altered

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Lufthansa, the German flagship carrier, has been forced to suspend flights to Cuba due to the fuel shortage. The carrier operates flights from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to Havana (HAV) and has confirmed that all flights between these two countries will be halted until further notice.

As of now, Lufthansa has not yet confirmed when services will resume, but the fuel crisis is expected to cause delays in the airline’s operations. Travelers with bookings on affected routes are being advised to explore rebooking options or refund requests, as Lufthansa tries to minimize disruptions in its network.

Lufthansa Routes Affected by Fuel Shortage

WestJet: Reduced Capacity and Uncertainty for Canadian Travelers

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WestJet, another Canadian airline with significant operations to Cuba, has reduced capacity on several of its routes. Flights from Toronto (YYZ) ↔ Varadero (VRA), Montreal (YUL) ↔ Holguín (HOG), and Toronto (YYZ) ↔ Havana (HAV) have all been severely disrupted, with many being cancelled or rescheduled.

WestJet has been rerouting its aircraft through alternative airports for refueling or offering passengers rebooking options to other Caribbean destinations, such as the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. As with many other carriers, WestJet has faced significant operational challenges as a result of Cuba’s fuel shortage and has urged customers to check their flight status regularly.

WestJet Routes Affected by Fuel Shortage

Air France: European Long-Haul Flights to Cuba Affected

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Air France, one of Europe’s major airlines, has announced that its flights to Havana from Paris (CDG) will be impacted by the fuel shortage. These services, typically operating three times a week, have now been suspended or delayed due to Cuba’s inability to provide aviation fuel.

Travelers who had booked flights with Air France have been offered flexible rebooking options, but many are facing extended waiting times due to the global disruption in fuel supply. Air France has reassured its passengers that the airline is actively working with local authorities to explore alternative solutions.

Air France Routes Affected by Fuel Shortage

Iberia, Air Europa, and Other European Airlines Face Fuel Shortage Challenges

Iberia and Air Europa, two of Spain’s largest carriers, have also faced significant disruptions on their routes to Cuba. Flights from Madrid (MAD) ↔ Havana (HAV), Madrid (MAD) ↔ Santiago de Cuba (SCU), and Madrid (MAD) ↔ Varadero (VRA) have been impacted. While Iberia has not fully cancelled all flights, many of its services have been reduced, with extra refueling stops added to many of the affected routes.

Air Europa, similarly, has suspended or limited its operations to Cuba, offering passengers refunds or rebooking options for the duration of the crisis. Travelers looking to fly from Spain to Cuba are being advised to explore alternative destinations in the Caribbean or to adjust their travel dates as the fuel shortage continues.

Iberia, Air Europa, and Other European Airlines

What Passengers Should Do: Rebooking, Refunds, and Travel Alternatives

Affected passengers are urged to contact their airlines directly to explore rebooking options or request refunds if their flights have been cancelled. Most major airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, and others, are offering flexible ticket policies to help travelers navigate the disruptions.

Airlines are also recommending that passengers consider alternate destinations in the Caribbean or rebook for future travel dates. Many travelers are being provided with the option to transfer their bookings to flights to destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Impact on Cuban Tourism: Local Economy Struggling Amid the Crisis

Cuba’s tourism sector faced a significant decline in 2025, with visitor arrivals dropping by nearly 19% compared to the previous year. This decline reflects a broader economic downturn and reduced travel demand from key markets such as Canada, the U.S., and Europe. The country’s tourism infrastructure, though still extensive, is struggling to maintain high occupancy rates as foreign visitors opt for alternative Caribbean destinations with more stable travel options and lower costs.

The aviation fuel crisis has exacerbated these challenges, as major international airlines like Air Canada, Delta, and American Airlines suspended or significantly reduced flights to Cuba due to fuel shortages. With flight cancellations, reduced seat availability, and delayed services, the already-struggling tourism sector saw a further drop in international visitors. This disruption not only affects the tourism economy directly but also impacts Cuba’s ability to attract travelers from North America, which is a key source of visitors. The ongoing airline issues are expected to worsen the situation, as fewer flights make Cuba less accessible and less appealing to international tourists.

With fewer flights and a decline in demand, Cuba’s tourism recovery in 2025 appears bleak, and the fuel crisis is amplifying the economic pressure on local businesses reliant on tourism. The full impact of these travel disruptions will likely continue well into the year, further straining the island’s visitor economy.

Amid a severe refueling crisis, Air Canada has joined American, Delta, Lufthansa, WestJet, Air France, and others in suspending flights to Cuba, as airports face fuel shortages impacting global travel.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Cuba’s Aviation Industry

Numerous major airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, WestJet, Air France, and others, have suspended or drastically changed their flight itineraries due to the aviation fuel crisis in Cuba. For travellers, this entails difficulties with rebooking, delays, and cancellations. As tourism revenues fall and foreign tourists choose other Caribbean destinations, Cuba’s tourism industry and local businesses are also suffering.

Airlines are keeping an eye on the issue and looking into safe options to resume flights as the fuel crisis develops. But for the time being, Cuba’s skies are still unclear, so tourists should be adaptable with their travel schedules until things settle down.