On September 15th, two flights originating from Toronto and destined for Varadero were unable to complete their journeys. Multiple passengers and social media reports suggest that a significant power outage disabled the air traffic control radar in Cuba's capital, forcing the planes to return to Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
According to independent news outlet CubaNet, the flights involved were AC1740, operated by Air Canada Rouge, and WJA2710, by WestJet. Both were marked as “Diverted” on tracking platforms such as Flightradar24 and FlightAware, indicating their return to Toronto after several hours in the air.
A Canadian passenger shared his experience in a Facebook video posted by user Edmundo Dantés Junior. He described how the captain informed them mid-flight, saying, “We are headed to Cuba, and the captain spoke over the intercom and said: ‘Guess what: we have a big problem here; we actually have to turn around and go back to Toronto because they have lost all power in Havana, I believe at the radar place where they control the planes coming in and out. That's what we've been told; we're sorry, we have to divert and go back, so we have no idea if we will get to Cuba today or what the plan is.’”
Similarly, the social media profile Cubanos por el Mundo reported that Cuba suspended incoming flights due to the complete loss of power at the radar station, preventing the assurance of air safety. As of now, neither the airlines nor the Cuban or Canadian authorities have officially confirmed the cause of these diversions.
Electric Crisis Impacting All Sectors
This incident occurred amid Cuba's unprecedented energy crisis, marked by extended blackouts and nationwide power cuts that impact not just households but also critical services.
On September 10th, the country was plunged into darkness following the collapse of the National Electrical System (SEN), triggered by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant. Millions of Cubans were left without electricity for hours, with official reports stating that only about 5% of the territory had power during the worst periods.
Though the government claimed the SEN was restored the next day, the situation remains dire: power generation deficits sometimes exceed 1,800 MW, with several plants out of operation due to breakdowns and lack of maintenance. Consequently, blackouts continue without clear schedules, affecting hospitals, businesses, transportation, and now even air safety.
For the Cuban people, this crisis means food spoilage, compromised healthcare services, and growing despair amid an uncertain future. The disruption of international flights allegedly linked to the electrical system failures underscores the severity of the problem and raises questions about the country's ability to safeguard critical infrastructure amidst the energy collapse.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Power Crisis on Air Travel
What caused the flights to return to Toronto?
The flights were forced to return due to a massive power outage in Cuba that reportedly disabled the air traffic control radar, compromising air safety.
Has there been an official confirmation on the cause of the flight diversions?
As of now, neither the airlines involved nor the authorities in Cuba or Canada have officially confirmed the reasons for the diversions.
How is the energy crisis affecting other sectors in Cuba?
The energy crisis is causing prolonged blackouts that affect not only domestic life but also critical services like healthcare, transportation, and now even air travel safety.