Air Canada Halts All Cuba Flights from Montreal and Toronto Amid Severe Fuel Shortage
Air Canada has announced the immediate suspension of all flights to Cuba from both Montreal and Toronto, citing a deepening aviation fuel crisis on the island that has been worsened by the Trump administration's hardened stance toward the country. This decision will disrupt an average of 16 weekly flights, significantly impacting travel plans for numerous passengers.
Immediate Suspension and Flight Disruptions
The airline confirmed that the suspension takes effect immediately, affecting flights from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. According to a statement released on Monday, this move comes after governments issued aviation advisories warning that fuel would no longer be commercially available at Cuban airports as of Tuesday.
The cancellations include:
- Seasonal services to Holguín and Santa Clara for the remainder of the winter.
- Year-round routes to Varadero and Cayo Coco, which are suspended until at least May 1.
Repatriation Efforts and Fuel Tankering
In response to the crisis, Air Canada plans to operate empty southbound flights over the coming days to repatriate approximately 3,000 passengers currently in Cuba, most of whom are traveling on Air Canada Vacations packages. The airline has stated that it will tanker in additional fuel from Canada and make technical refuelling stops if necessary for the remaining return flights.
Customers whose departures have been cancelled will automatically receive a full refund in their original form of payment. Travelers already in Cuba can seek assistance from Air Canada Vacations representatives on the ground.
Context of the Fuel Crisis
Cuba has been struggling to obtain fuel since Venezuela sharply reduced oil shipments following the fall of President Nicolás Maduro. The situation has been further exacerbated by U.S. threats to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island, which Havana claims has choked supplies even more. Cuban officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, have blamed the U.S. for the crisis, announcing emergency measures to preserve essential functions and basic services as fuel reserves dwindle.
Impact on Other Airlines and Travel Advice
While Air Canada has suspended its services, other Canadian airlines are currently maintaining their flights to Cuba. Air Transat plans to operate as scheduled but has introduced flexible change and refund options, and WestJet has activated its change and cancellation policy, allowing passengers to modify their plans free of charge.
Éric Boissonneault, vice-president of the Quebec Association of Travel Agents, advised caution, stating that while it's not a catastrophe yet, he would recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before booking a trip to Cuba. Montreal's airport authority has also urged travelers to check directly with their airlines as the situation continues to evolve.
This suspension highlights the broader geopolitical tensions affecting travel and commerce, with potential ripple effects for Canadian travelers and the aviation industry in the region.
