Canadian travellers heading to Cuba are facing uncertainty as Air Canada has temporarily suspended flights to the country due to a critical shortage of aviation fuel at Cuban airports.
Air Canada says it is returning Canadians who are already in Cuba by operating special non-passenger flights to bring home approximately 3,000 travellers. Customers with upcoming bookings are being offered refunds or flexible rebooking options while the suspension remains in effect.
Canadians make up one of the largest groups of visitors to Cuba, and the disruption comes during peak winter travel season. For other Canadian airlines, WestJet, Air Transat and Sunwing, are continuing to operate flights at this time. Though all airlines are closely monitoring the fuel situation and offering passengers flexibility for current flight bookings.
The fuel supply shortage is part of an energy crisis in Cuba, which has been impacted even more so by U.S. sanctions hindering oil shipments from key suppliers such as Venezuela and Mexico.
The federal government is advising Canadians to exercise caution when travelling to Cuba, due to ongoing shortages of fuel, along with food and other essential supplies. Travellers are being urged to confirm flight status with their airline before departing. The fuel shortage and flight disruptions are anticipated to last until at least March 11.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
