The tourism industry in Cuba is grappling with one of its biggest setbacks in recent years as leading Canadian airlines have begun to cancel and suspend flights to the island. This comes amidst growing uncertainty due to a shortage of aviation fuel and operational issues at Cuban airports.
This troubling situation threatens to further destabilize a sector that the socialist regime has touted as an economic "lifeline," yet it now struggles amidst power outages, supply shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure.
The impact is particularly severe because Canada has long been the largest source of tourists to Cuba.
Air Transat Halts Flights Until April 30
The Canadian airline Air Transat has announced a temporary suspension of all flights to Cuba until April 30, 2026, citing the aviation fuel shortage reported by Cuban authorities.
According to the official notice released by the company, reservations with departures between February 11 and April 30 will be automatically canceled, and passengers will receive refunds.
Additionally, Air Transat has indicated that it is organizing repatriation flights to bring back travelers currently on the island.
Air Canada and WestJet Follow Suit
The situation worsened when Air Canada, the country's largest airline, announced it would halt flights to Cuba until May 1, while arranging return operations for thousands of Canadian tourists.
Media reports in Canada indicate that Air Canada has around 3,000 customers in Cuba, while Air Transat has reported more than 6,500, increasing the number of travelers either stranded or at risk of being stranded.
Meanwhile, WestJet stated it operates up to 15 daily flights to Cuba in the winter, and its immediate focus is to ensure the safe return of its passengers, with plans to complete this process by February 16 at the latest.
Cuba's Plummeting Tourism Sector
This news arrives at a particularly inopportune time for the regime. According to statistics cited by El País, Cuba's tourist arrivals have plummeted from five million in 2018 to just 1.8 million in 2025, marking a 64% decline over seven years.
More critically, Canadian tourism accounts for nearly 50% of all foreign arrivals to the island, meaning that any significant disruption in flights from Canada effectively suffocates the sector.
Impact of Canadian Flight Suspensions on Cuban Tourism
Why are Canadian airlines suspending flights to Cuba?
Canadian airlines are suspending flights due to a shortage of aviation fuel and operational challenges at Cuban airports.
How does the suspension of flights from Canada affect Cuban tourism?
The suspension severely impacts Cuban tourism as Canada is the largest source of tourists to the island, accounting for nearly 50% of foreign arrivals.
What measures are airlines taking for stranded passengers?
Airlines like Air Transat and Air Canada are organizing repatriation flights to bring back stranded travelers from Cuba.