by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:15 AM ET, Mon February 9, 2026
Amid worsening fuel shortages and fears that things may yet be getting worse in Cuba, resorts are moving to consolidate guests and airlines are offering free waivers for flight changes.
Cuban Vice Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga stated Friday on state television that “a plan has been designed for tourism to reduce energy consumption, consolidate tourist facilities, and make the most of the high season currently underway” in the country.
CTV reports tourists in Cayo Coco being moved to different resorts in a move to consolidate visitors and conserve resources by reducing the number of hotels requiring service.
Canadian traveller Vicky Volonik told the news service that for tourists, there is “plenty of food to eat, no blackouts, everything’s good,” and that she anticipated being fine at the new hotel until she leaves. Her heart goes out to the locals who will continue to face hardship, likely losing their jobs as the hotels close. “The people here, they’re suffering right now,” she says. ”You got a lot of tears in the hotel.”
Air Canada issued a notice over the weekend that it is allowing one free change on itineraries including Jardines del Rey Airport, Cayo Coco (CCC), Varadero (VRA), Santa Clara (SNU) and Holguin (HOG) for travellers who will want to change plans in light of the deteriorating situation in Cuba.
The flexible goodwill policy applies to tickets purchased on or before Feb. 5, 2026 for travel between Feb. 6, 2026, and Feb. 25, 2026. Customers are permitted one free change as per the established guidelines up to 2 hours before departure. Rebooking is only permitted on Air Canada Operated flights.
Transat also announced a similar program, stating in light of the notification by Cuban authorities of a temporary suspension of kerosene refuelling at the country’s airports, they would offer either a fee-free change or a full refund for passengers travelling on its Cuba bound flights from Montreal today (Feb. 9, 2026) The affected flights are TS358 YUL–HOG and TS814 YUL–VRA.
At the time of writing, both flights were expected to operate as normal.
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