Air Canada Announces Suspension of Cuba Flights
Following our report published yesterday regarding disruptions in Jet A1 fuel supply across Cuba, Air Canada has publicly shared its decision concerning operations to the island. The fuel shortage is reported to be affecting nine international airports nationwide, including the capital Havana.
Air Canada became the first airline to announce a complete suspension of its Cuba services. The cancellation of approximately 16 weekly flights from Toronto and Montreal has affected around 3,000 passengers currently in Cuba. To repatriate these passengers, the airline plans to operate empty ferry flights to the island, uplift the required fuel in advance for the return sector, and make technical stops if necessary.
Similarly, WestJet and Air Transat announced that they will begin gradually reducing their Cuba flights as of February 10. Both airlines stated that they will operate empty flights to bring passengers back and will load sufficient fuel at the departure airport to enable departure from Cuba.
Rossiya Airlines, meanwhile, said in a statement issued on behalf of its parent Aeroflot Group that it plans to continue operating flights to Cuba, although additional technical stops may be required due to the fuel situation.
