On Monday, Cuba woke up to an almost complete absence of commercial air traffic in its skies, a stark image that lays bare the severity of the ongoing fuel crisis in the nation.
Flightradar24 data revealed that in the early hours, just a single commercial flight departed the island—Copa Airlines flight CMP245 heading to Panama City.
Aerial tracking captures showed the aircraft—a Boeing 737 MAX 8—heading south from Havana, while the rest of Cuba's airspace appeared nearly devoid of regular operations.
This scene starkly contrasts with the usual hustle and bustle of national and international flights, serving as a visual gauge of a situation that had been officially forewarned.
Last Sunday, José Martí International Airport in Havana issued the international NOTAM A0356/26, confirming that nine of Cuba's international airports will be without Jet A-1 fuel for a full month, from February 10, 2026, at 05:00 UTC to March 11, 2026.
This measure impacts airports in Havana, Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Manzanillo.
The lack of this standard aviation fuel forces foreign airlines to carry additional fuel from their origin, make technical stops in third countries to refuel, or directly cancel operations.
These alternatives significantly increase operational costs and reduce the feasibility of maintaining regular routes to the island.
While no airlines have announced mass cancellations yet, the inclusion of this limitation in a NOTAM—rather than informal warnings—indicates that the issue is officially acknowledged within international civil aviation systems.
The potential impact is substantial. Key connections with the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America, including routes to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Madrid, Cancún, Mexico City, and Panama, face a landscape of high uncertainty. The image of a "plane-less" Cuba at dawn reinforces the perception of a nation increasingly isolated, even in terms of air connectivity.
This situation unfolds amidst a profound energy crisis, characterized by blackouts, transportation restrictions, and severe fuel supply limitations. The shortage of Jet A-1 for civil aviation—a strategic sector for tourism and the economy—adds to a deteriorating structural panorama already affecting nearly every aspect of the country.
The solitary flight to Panama is not just an anecdote; it is a symbolic image of a collapse now visible even in Cuba's skies.
Cuba's Aviation Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What is causing the current aviation disruption in Cuba?
The disruption is primarily due to a severe fuel crisis, which has left nine international airports in Cuba without Jet A-1 fuel for a month, significantly affecting commercial aviation operations.
How are airlines coping with the fuel shortage in Cuba?
Airlines are managing the shortage by carrying extra fuel from their origin, making technical stops in other countries to refuel, or considering canceling flights altogether, which increases operational costs.
What are the broader implications of this aviation crisis for Cuba?
The crisis exacerbates Cuba's existing energy issues, impacting tourism and economic sectors, and contributes to the country's growing isolation in terms of international connectivity.