Air Canada Halts Cuba Flights as U.S. Oil Blockade Triggers Islandwide Energy Crisis

Air Canada confirmed the sudden suspension of all services to Cuba on Tuesday, citing operational uncertainty and worsening fuel availability at Cuban airports. The move follows a tightening U.S.-led oil blockade aimed at cutting off fuel shipments to the island, a policy shift now rippling through aviation, transport, and daily life for Cuba’s 11 million residents.

The airline, one of the largest carriers connecting Canada to Cuba, said it could no longer guarantee reliable refueling and ground operations under current conditions. Flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to Havana, Varadero, and other tourist hubs were halted without a clear timeline for resumption.

Cuban authorities acknowledged that jet fuel supplies have fallen to critical levels, forcing prioritization of military, medical, and essential cargo flights. Commercial aviation has been pushed down the list as the country scrambles to keep power plants, hospitals, and food distribution networks running.

The U.S. oil blockade targets third-party suppliers accused of helping Cuba bypass longstanding sanctions. Washington says the measures are designed to increase economic pressure on Havana, but Cuban officials argue the policy amounts to collective punishment, accelerating blackouts and crippling transportation nationwide.

Across the island, electricity outages have become longer and more frequent. In Havana, rolling blackouts now stretch into double-digit hours in some districts. In rural provinces, entire communities are going days with limited power, affecting water pumping, refrigeration, and telecommunications.

Tourism, one of Cuba’s last major sources of foreign currency, is already feeling the impact. Canadian travelers account for the largest share of visitors to the island, and Air Canada’s withdrawal removes a critical artery just as the high season approaches. Hotels have reported cancellations, while tour operators say uncertainty around flights and fuel is deterring new bookings.

At José Martí International Airport, ground staff described scaled-back operations and grounded aircraft awaiting fuel clearance. Smaller regional airports have effectively shut down commercial traffic altogether, according to aviation workers.

The Cuban government has announced emergency conservation measures, including reduced public transport schedules, shortened business hours, and restrictions on non-essential energy use. Officials warned that conditions could worsen if fuel shipments are not restored soon.

In Washington, U.S. officials defended the blockade as part of a broader strategy to pressure Cuba’s leadership on political reforms and regional alliances. No exemptions for civilian aviation fuel have been announced so far.

Canada’s government has not formally commented on Air Canada’s decision, though diplomatic sources say Ottawa is monitoring the situation closely, given the scale of Canadian citizens affected.

Inside Cuba, frustration is growing. Long fuel lines have returned, public buses are increasingly scarce, and food supply chains are under strain as trucks struggle to operate. State media has urged calm while emphasizing resilience, but independent economists warn the country is approaching another systemic shock similar to previous fuel crises.

Air Canada said it will continue to assess conditions on the ground, including fuel access, safety guarantees, and regulatory developments, before considering a return to Cuban routes. For now, aircraft slots remain empty, runways quiet, and millions of travelers uncertain as the energy standoff tightens.