Jet Fuel Shortage Forces Airline Suspensions, Travel Warnings for Cuba

1. What just happened and why it matters

Cuban aviation officials announced that the country was running out of jet fuel, prompting a wave of airline suspensions and operational changes during the week of Feb. 15–21, 2026. The immediate effect: airlines and governments are warning travellers to expect cancellations, in‑country refuelling to be unavailable at many airports, and rapid, unpredictable disruptions that can strand visitors or force repatriation flights.

2. Key dates and the official timeline

Cuba’s aviation statement that the nation was running out of jet fuel was published on Feb. 9, 2026; media consolidation and airline notices followed in the week of Feb. 15–21. Canada updated its travel alert on Feb. 19 advising against non‑essential travel. A NOTAM reported that “Jet A1 Fuel Not Avbl [available]” applied to multiple airports and was set to last “until 5am GMT on Wednesday 11 March.”

3. The NOTAM and which airports are affected

AOL reported the NOTAM wording “Jet A1 Fuel Not Avbl [available]” and listed Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Coco and “others” as affected airports, with the NOTAM set through 5am GMT on Wednesday, March 11. Loss of in‑country refuelling makes long‑haul international services far more difficult unless airlines tanker extra fuel or plan technical refuelling stops abroad.

4. Airlines that canceled services and passenger numbers

Air Canada canceled its entire weekly programme of 32 flights between Canada and Cuba and said it will repatriate roughly 3,000 customers already in the country, according to reporting. WestJet has also begun cancelling some flights. CNN and other outlets reported cancellations from Russian carriers as well. These cancellations produced urgent seat shortages for travellers trying to leave.

5. Airlines that are operating and how they’ve changed routes

Some carriers are continuing limited services with operational workarounds. Southwest is operating one flight per day from Tampa to Havana and told Traveler that crews must “carry enough fuel to also fly to their next destination.” Aeromexico continues flights from Mexico City to Cuba. Iberia will keep flying Madrid–Havana by adding a refuelling stop in the Dominican Republic and has issued a travel waiver allowing passengers to delay travel through the end of March.

6. How airlines are coping operationally

Airlines are using three main workarounds: tankering extra fuel on departure, adding technical refuelling stops en route, or cancelling flights where neither option is viable. Air Canada stated, “For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary.” Reported plans also include special “ferry flights” to bring thousands of stranded passengers home where scheduled services were canceled.

7. Travel advisories, embassy alerts and immediate guidance from governments

Canada’s updated travel alert (Feb. 19) warns: “Avoid non‑essential travel to Cuba due to worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine. These shortages can also affect services at resorts. Fuel availability has decreased, is difficult to predict, and may disrupt ground transportation.” The advisory adds that travellers “should consider leaving while options remain available.” The U.K. has issued similar warnings against unessential travel, and the U.S. Embassy in Cuba issued an alert advising U.S. travellers to be prepared for prolonged power outages; the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) advisory issued in May 2025.

8. Immediate on‑the‑ground impacts inside Cuba

Reports describe persistent nationwide power outages, long lines for gasoline, fuel rationing, hospitals cutting services, waste collection faltering and schools suspending classes. Hotels and tourist services have been scaled back or temporarily closed; CNN reported that the yearly Habanos festival was canceled and that Sherrit International paused nickel and cobalt mining operations amid the crunch. Local tour operator Mandy Pruna captured the human cost: “I need gas to be able to work, I need tourists to be able to work.”

9. Why this is happening: geopolitical and policy context

Multiple outlets trace the shortfall to tightened U.S. policy measures that have severely restricted Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, removing a major source of fuel supply. AOL reported that the U.S. president warned punitive tariffs would be imposed on any “country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba.” Cuba has adopted rationing and scaled back public services to conserve limited fuel and electricity.

10. Expert analysis and the risk outlook

Analysts warn the situation is severe and could destabilize services quickly. Robert Munks of Verisk Maplecroft said the government’s renewable energy pledge is likely “too little, too late” and warned that “an accelerating collapse of basic services will put the regime under extreme pressure to find a negotiated solution.” Par Kumaraswami of the University of Nottingham said, “The current situation in Cuba is as serious as it has been since the 1990s, when Cuba suddenly had to survive without the support of the Eastern Bloc.”

12. Verification points to watch and follow up

Before acting on firm travel plans, confirm the NOTAM status with official aviation services and check airlines for real‑time schedules; verify Air Canada’s repatriation numbers and WestJet cancellations directly with the carriers. If quoting statements attributed to the U.S. president on punitive tariffs, obtain the primary source for full context; likewise confirm Sherrit International’s pause and exact dates via the company’s filings.

13. What to expect next and why this matters beyond travel

The NOTAM window runs at least through March 11, which suggests uncertainty for weeks ahead; airlines will continue weighing tankering vs. technical stops vs. cancellations until in‑country fuel supply stabilizes. Beyond travel disruption, observers warn the energy squeeze is already affecting healthcare, waste management and livelihoods, making the crisis notable not just for tourism but for Cuba’s broader social and economic stability.

14. Final take

This is a fast‑evolving operational and humanitarian story, airlines have already altered schedules, governments have issued explicit travel warnings, and a NOTAM lists major airports without Jet A1 fuel through March 11. Expect travel plans to remain fragile in the short term and monitor official airline notices, government advisories and NOTAM services for verified updates as the situation unfolds.