Cuban Fuel Crisis Leads to Temporary Resort Closures Affecting Canadian Tourists
As Cuba grapples with an escalating fuel shortage crisis, several popular resort destinations frequented by Canadian visitors are implementing temporary closures this weekend. The Caribbean nation's authorities have made the difficult decision to consolidate tourists into hotels with higher occupancy levels in an effort to maintain service quality and continuity during this challenging period.
Airlines Implement Flexible Rebooking Policies
Major Canadian airlines have responded proactively to the developing situation in Cuba. Air Transat has confirmed that some clients already at their destinations have been relocated to properties of equivalent or superior category. The airline has activated a flexible rebooking policy covering travel dates between February 7 and April 30, 2026, affecting hotels in several key areas:
- Cayo Santa Maria
- Cayo Coco
- Varadero
- Holguin
According to the airline's statement, affected travellers have multiple options available:
- Change travel dates without penalty
- Switch to a different hotel or destination
- Cancel their trip entirely and receive a travel credit
Air Canada's Response to the Crisis
Air Canada has implemented similar measures for customers with travel dates between February 6 and February 25, 2026. The policy applies to flights serving several Cuban destinations:
- Cayo Coco
- Holguin
- Santa Clara
- Varadero
Passengers may change their flights to alternative Air Canada destinations without charge, subject to availability in their originally purchased cabin class. The airline notes that fare differences may apply in some cases. For those choosing to cancel, options include receiving credit to their AC Wallet or converting their ticket value to a future travel credit.
Root Causes of Cuba's Fuel Shortage
The current crisis stems from Washington's decision to effectively block fuel shipments to Cuba from Venezuela, the island nation's primary ally. This geopolitical development has forced Cuban authorities to implement significant conservation measures across multiple sectors of society and the economy.
The Cuban government has responded with several austerity measures designed to preserve essential services:
- Reduction of public transportation routes
- Shortened work weeks (Monday through Thursday only)
- Transition of some university classes to online formats
Government officials emphasized during a national television broadcast that these measures aim to protect critical infrastructure including food production systems, water supply networks, and healthcare services.
Updated Travel Advisory for Canadian Visitors
Last week, Global Affairs Canada updated its travel guidance for Cuba to "exercise a high degree of caution." This advisory change specifically references the ongoing energy crisis and shortages of basic goods affecting the country.
Other Canadian travel providers are monitoring the situation closely. WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Sunwing Vacations have indicated they are following developments and will adhere to guidance from the Canadian government as the situation evolves.
The temporary resort closures represent the latest challenge for Cuba's tourism industry, which has become increasingly important to the nation's economy in recent years. Canadian travellers represent a significant portion of visitors to the island, making the response from Canadian airlines particularly crucial during this period of uncertainty.
