by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 6:35 AM ET, Tue February 10, 2026
Canada’s major carriers are continuing to scale back service to Cuba amid aviation fuel shortages.
Following Air Canada’s decision to suspend flights, both WestJet and Air Transat have announced significant changes to their Cuba operations.
WestJet begins wind-down of winter Cuba operations
WestJet says it is responding to the developing situation in Cuba and the latest travel advisory issued by Global Affairs Canada, which continues to advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to fuel shortages and potential disruptions to essential services.
“Aligning with our focus to put guests and crew first and protect the integrity of our operation, WestJet Group has made the decision to begin an orderly wind down of our winter operations to Cuba,” the airline said in a statement.
The decision applies across the WestJet Group, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec.
RELATED: Air Canada Suspending Flights to Cuba
To reduce strain on local resources, WestJet confirmed that, beginning immediately, it will operate empty aircraft from Canada to Cuba to support the organized return of guests currently in destination. All aircraft dispatched will carry sufficient fuel to depart without relying on local fuel availability.
WestJet advised that information regarding guest cancellations and next steps is available through its Guest Updates Hub.
Air Transat suspends Cuba flights through April 30
Air Transat announced the temporary suspension of all flights to Cuba until April 30, 2026, citing “rapid developments of the past few hours.”
At this time, Air Transat said its priority is the orderly return of customers currently in destination. The airline is organizing repatriation flights to bring customers back to Canada over the coming days, with aircraft carrying the necessary fuel to operate independently of local supplies.
“Depending on how the situation evolves, flights to Cuba may resume as early as May 1, 2026,” the airline said, adding it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Air Transat also confirmed that all existing bookings for travel to Cuba scheduled between February 11 and April 30, 2026, will be automatically cancelled and refunded to the original form of payment, with no action required from customers.
Related: Cuban Fuel Shortage Affects Resorts and Airlines
Travellers currently in destination who booked Transat all-inclusive packages can rely on on-site representative teams for support, while those who booked flights only or packages through other tour operators will be contacted with assistance details. Air Transat said it will reach out directly to all customers currently in Cuba with information about their return flights.
Industry response follows Air Canada suspension
The announcements follow Air Canada’s decision, reported yesterday by TravelPulse Canada, to suspend flights to Cuba effective immediately due to the worsening fuel shortage.
Air Canada confirmed it would operate empty flights southbound to repatriate approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba, but would not transport passengers to the island until further notice. The airline said the decision followed advisories and NOTAMs regarding the unreliability of aviation fuel supplies at Cuban airports, with projections indicating fuel would not be commercially available as of February 10.
Air Canada also noted that for remaining recovery flights, aircraft would tanker additional fuel and make technical stops if required on the return journey.
Seasonal service to Holguín and Santa Clara has been cancelled for the remainder of the season, while flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, normally operated year-round, are currently suspended with a tentative restart pending review.
Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat have all indicated they will continue to monitor the situation and assess when normal operations to Cuba can safely resume.
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