Air Canada Suspending Flights to Cuba

Image: PHOTO: A street in Havana (By Mia Taylor) (Photo Credit: Travalliance Media)
Image: PHOTO: A street in Havana (By Mia Taylor) (Photo Credit: Travalliance Media)
Jen Mallia
by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Mon February 9, 2026

Due to the worsening fuel shortage in Cuba, Air Canada has officially announced it is suspending flights to Cuba, effective today (Feb. 9, 2025). Air Canada had previously announced it would extend a no-fee waiver for flight changes or cancellations to Cuban itineraries. 

In the latest development, the airline will now send aircraft to Cuba to pick up travellers presently in the country to bring them home, but will not be taking passengers to the beleaguered country until further notice. Air Canada will operate empty flights southbound to pick up the approximately 3,000 customers already in Cuba to return them home.

According to a statement to media, Air Canada took the decision following advisories issued by governments (NOTAMs) regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. 

It is projected that as of February 10 aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports. For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make a technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary.

Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date.

Customers currently in Cuba who booked an Air Canada Vacations package can receive direct support from Air Canada Vacations’ local representatives, who are available to address any questions or concerns.

Air Canada operates on average 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba from Toronto and Montreal.  The airline has indicated that at present, seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the season. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are schedule to operate yearround but are currently suspended with a tentative restart, pending review, on May 1. 

Related: Cuban Fuel Shortage Affects Resorts and Airlines



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Jen Mallia

Jen Mallia

Senior Editor

Jen Mallia is an Edmonton-based writer, editor, and Oxford comma apologist. She is a former senior editor of the CAA/AMA Insider magazines and has written for a host of publications, including The Globe and Mail. National Post, The Guardian, Today's Parent, and InStyle. 

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