politics
February 9, 2026
Air Canada cancels all flights to Cuba as US oil blockade cuts off fuel access
Airlines from as far away as Russia, China and Spain have also been affected as island nation warns of fuel shortage
TL;DR
- Air Canada has cancelled all flights to Cuba due to a lack of aviation fuel.
- The fuel shortage is a consequence of the US oil blockade on Cuba, which threatens countries sending oil with tariffs.
- The crisis affects airlines from multiple countries, including Russia, China, Turkey, France, and Spain.
- Cuba's tourism industry, a major source of hard currency, is significantly impacted.
- Tourists are being consolidated into fewer hotels, and domestic fuel access for Cubans is severely restricted.
- Mexico has condemned the US policy and is attempting diplomatic actions to send oil to Cuba.
- Other airlines are implementing contingency measures, such as technical stops for refueling, to continue operations.
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