The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has given the green light to Flair Airlines to commence regular international flights to Cuba, as revealed in a decision published on April 8 on the agency's website.
According to Pax News, the CTA expressed confidence that Flair Airlines meets all necessary requirements to conduct these flights, although the license is contingent upon conditions outlined in Canadian Air Transport Regulations.
The announcement did not specify launch dates or flight schedules, leaving the exact timing of the routes still up in the air.
Flair Airlines Expands into Caribbean Market
Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Flair Airlines is a budget carrier operating a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Recently, it has broadened its Caribbean destinations to include places like the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Fuel Crisis Disrupts Cuban Air Travel
The authorization comes amid an unprecedented aviation crisis affecting Cuba, triggered by the halt of Venezuelan oil—a source for two-thirds of Cuba's imports—and the suspension of shipments from Pemex due to sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
Since February 10, Cuban airports have been without commercially available Jet A-1 aviation fuel, forcing major Canadian airlines to halt operations and repatriate approximately 27,900 tourists.
Tourism Plummets in Cuba
The impact on Cuba's tourism sector has been severe: the country saw 112,000 fewer visitors in January and February of 2026 compared to the same months in 2025, with hotel occupancy rates plummeting to 18.9%.
Canadian Airlines' Varied Responses
Canadian airlines have shown mixed responses regarding the resumption of flights. Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec, through WestJet, aim to restart flights on June 20, offering packages to Varadero and Cayo Coco from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Air Transat announced in a memo to travel advisors that it will delay its return to Cuba until at least June 20. Meanwhile, Air Canada has taken a more cautious approach, postponing its flights until November 1, 2026, due to "ongoing operational issues such as power outages and hotel closures on the island."
The Canadian government's travel advisory for Cuba remains at orange, advising against non-essential travel to the island nation.
In this climate of uncertainty, the approval for Flair Airlines signals an interest in the Cuban market, though without specific operational dates, it's unclear when this new route will commence.
Understanding the Impact of Flight Resumptions to Cuba
Why were major Canadian airlines forced to halt flights to Cuba?
Major Canadian airlines had to suspend flights due to a shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba, caused by the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies and Pemex shipments, exacerbated by international sanctions.
How has the fuel crisis affected Cuban tourism?
The fuel crisis has led to a significant decrease in tourist arrivals, with 112,000 fewer visitors during the first two months of 2026 compared to the previous year, and a drop in hotel occupancy to 18.9%.
What are the plans for Canadian airlines to resume flights to Cuba?
Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec plan to resume flights on June 20, 2026, while Air Transat has delayed its return until at least June 20, and Air Canada has postponed flights until November 1, 2026.