An operational notice from the international NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) system has reported that Havana's José Martí International Airport (MUHA) is currently out of Jet A-1 fuel, the standard used by commercial aviation.
The alert states, "JET A1 FUEL NOT AVBL" (Jet A-1 fuel not available) and indicates that this situation will persist from February 10, 2026, at 05:00 UTC until March 11, 2026, at 05:00 UTC, with active status.
This notification, part of the global aviation alert system used to inform crews and airlines about conditions relevant to their operations, means that aircraft will be unable to refuel with Jet A-1 in Havana during the specified period, according to the NOTAM details.
This fuel shortage is not limited to Havana but affects all nine airports across Cuba.
Airlines are now required to either arrive with extra fuel, make technical stops in other countries, or cancel flights altogether. This impacts commercial, charter, cargo, and executive aviation.
The same message also mentions that maintenance on landing aids, ILS, and the frequencies for runway 06 are experiencing temporary limitations.
Additionally, the RVR system (Runway Visual Range) for the runway is not operational, affecting operations under low visibility conditions.
Energy Crisis Disrupts Air Travel This announcement is yet another indication of the logistical collapse within the Cuban system, particularly in strategic sectors like civil aviation.
An international airport lacking fuel for an entire month is a rarity in countries with functional economies.
Air connectivity is severely compromised, disrupting tourism (a major source of foreign exchange), logistical shipments, and family travel.
This exacerbates Cuba's overall energy crisis, impacting transportation and hospital services due to the lack of supplies.
The absence of Jet A-1 fuel in Cuban airports poses a direct threat to tourism by causing flight cancellations, delays, and rescheduling of international flights. This reduces the influx of crucial visitors from Russia, Canada, and Europe, essential markets for the Cuban economy.
Tourism, as the primary source of foreign currency, suffers from decreased air connectivity and traveler distrust.
Impact of Fuel Shortage on Cuban Aviation
How long will Havana's airport be without Jet A-1 fuel?
The airport is expected to be without Jet A-1 fuel from February 10, 2026, to March 11, 2026.
What are the implications of the fuel shortage for airlines?
Airlines may need to carry extra fuel, make stops in other countries, or cancel flights, affecting commercial, charter, cargo, and executive aviation.
How does the fuel shortage affect Cuba's tourism industry?
The shortage leads to flight cancellations and delays, reducing the number of international visitors from key markets, thereby hurting the tourism industry and its revenue.