On Monday, Air Canada announced the immediate suspension of its flights to Cuba owing to a scarcity of aviation fuel on the island, an issue impacting the reliability of fuel supply at Cuban airports.
In an official statement, the airline clarified that this decision followed warnings from governments and aeronautical notifications highlighting the fuel shortage. Starting February 10, commercial availability of fuel at the country's airports will cease.
Over the coming days, Air Canada plans to operate empty flights to Cuba to bring back approximately 3,000 clients currently on the island, most of whom are Air Canada Vacations package travelers.
For flights that continue to operate, Air Canada will carry additional fuel from the origin and may make technical stops if necessary to refuel on the return journey, as part of measures to ensure operational safety.
The airline will keep a close watch on the situation to decide when it might be appropriate to resume regular service to Cuba in the future.
Impact on Seasonal and Year-Round Routes
Regarding specific routes, Air Canada announced that seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara will be canceled for the remainder of the season. Year-round connections to Varadero and Cayo Coco are also suspended, with a potential tentative restart on May 1, pending review.
The aircraft servicing these routes will be reassigned to other destinations while operations to the island remain suspended.
According to the most recent report from the Empresa Cubana de Aeropuertos y Servicios Aeronáuticos, Air Canada had planned operations in February at the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero, Jardines del Rey in Cayo Coco, Abel Santamaría in Santa Clara, and Frank País in Holguín.
Response from Other Airlines Amidst Fuel Crisis
Following the announcement from Havana's regime that it lacks fuel to supply airlines connecting with the island, the company Iberia confirmed to CiberCuba that it does not anticipate "the situation leading to changes or cancellations of operations between Madrid and Cuba."
Nonetheless, Iberia is "closely monitoring the situation to take necessary measures." The Spanish airline has temporarily relaxed fare conditions for passengers with tickets to Cuba who wish to voluntarily change their travel plans due to the current fuel supply difficulties in Cuba.
Amidst this crisis, civil aviation authorities assured on Monday that Cuban airspace remains operational despite the country's energy limitations affecting several sectors.
In a statement on its official Facebook page, Empresa Cubana de Navegación Aérea S.A. confirmed that their services remain active 24/7, with a continued focus on ensuring the safety of all operations under their jurisdiction.
The entity emphasized its commitment to maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of technical and air traffic control services, as well as adhering to international standards and protocols, to ensure the smooth and orderly flow of air traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Aviation Fuel Shortage
Why has Air Canada suspended its flights to Cuba?
Air Canada has suspended its flights to Cuba due to a shortage of aviation fuel on the island, which affects the reliability of fuel supply at Cuban airports.
How is Air Canada assisting passengers in Cuba?
Air Canada is operating empty flights to Cuba to bring back approximately 3,000 clients currently on the island, most of whom are Air Canada Vacations package travelers.
What measures is Air Canada taking for flights still in operation?
For flights that continue to operate, Air Canada will carry extra fuel from the origin and may make technical stops to refuel on the return journey to ensure operational safety.
What is the impact of the fuel shortage on other airlines?
Although Iberia does not foresee changes or cancellations in its operations between Madrid and Cuba, it is closely monitoring the situation and has relaxed fare conditions for passengers wishing to change travel plans.