Cuba Faces Tourism Crisis Amid Jet Fuel Shortage

Cuba's tourism industry is facing significant disruptions due to a severe jet fuel shortage, which has been exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and an effective oil blockade. The crisis began when the Cuban government notified airlines that it would run out of aviation fuel, leading to immediate flight cancellations and operational changes by several airlines, including Air Canada and Russian carriers.

The Guardian

Air Canada announced the suspension of its 16 weekly flights to four Cuban cities starting February 9, 2026, as the fuel shortage became critical. Russian airlines, including Rossiya and Nordwind, are planning to evacuate approximately 4,000 Russian tourists currently in Cuba before halting all flights to the island. These airlines will operate outbound-only flights to return tourists home, with plans to suspend services until the fuel situation improves.

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The fuel crisis in Cuba is rooted in the Trump administration's stringent measures aimed at cutting off the island's access to foreign oil. In late January, President Donald Trump announced additional sanctions, including tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba, which primarily affected Mexico, a key oil supplier. The last known oil delivery to Cuba occurred in early January, and since then, the island has struggled to secure necessary fuel supplies, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which further strained Cuba's energy resources.

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Cuban aviation authorities have warned that jet fuel will not be available at nine airports across the island starting February 10, 2026, and lasting until at least March 11. The Russian government has expressed solidarity with Cuba, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that Moscow is prepared to provide necessary support. However, the specifics of this support remain unclear as Russia navigates its own geopolitical challenges.

The Guardian

Critics of the U.S. sanctions argue that the measures disproportionately affect the Cuban population and tourism sector, which is vital for the island's economy. The sanctions have led to widespread shortages of essential goods, including food and medicine, reminiscent of the economic hardships experienced during the Special Period of the 1990s. Some observers suggest that the U.S. actions are aimed at destabilizing the Cuban government rather than addressing humanitarian concerns.

Food and medicine shortages, aviation collapse: Fuel crisis hits Cuba due to US sanctions

While reports indicate that approximately 4,000 Russian tourists are currently in Cuba, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact number of tourists affected and the timeline for the evacuation. Additionally, the extent of the fuel shortage and its implications for the broader Cuban economy remain uncertain, with some sources suggesting that the situation could worsen if alternative fuel sources are not secured.

The Guardian

As the situation develops, Russian airlines are expected to continue evacuation flights while suspending regular operations. The Cuban government is likely to seek alternative solutions to address the fuel crisis and mitigate the impact on its tourism-dependent economy. The international community will be watching closely as the implications of U.S. sanctions unfold in the coming weeks.

The Guardian