1. Flight Disruptions
  2. Air Canada suspends Cuba flights as jet fuel runs out at nine airports

Air Canada suspends Cuba flights as jet fuel runs out at nine airports

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Checked by Matteo Floris

Last updated on 10 February 2026

3,000

Impacted travelers

9

Affected airports

6

Affected airlines

What Happened

Cuban authorities have issued a NOTAM stating Jet A‑1 fuel will be unavailable at nine international airports from Feb 10 to Mar 11 (05:00 UTC). Air Canada has suspended flights and will repatriate about 3,000 customers using ferry flights. Seasonal services to Holguín and Santa Clara are canceled for the rest of winter; year‑round routes to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative May 1 restart. Air Transat, WestJet, Sunwing, Iberia, and Air Europa plan operational adjustments, including technical refueling stops.

Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.

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Flight Disruption Details

Cuba has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) advising that Jet A‑1 fuel will be unavailable at nine international airports from February 10 at 05:00 UTC until at least March 11 at 05:00 UTC. The affected airports are José Martí International (Havana), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Manzanillo.

In response, Air Canada has suspended all flights to Cuba effective Monday and is arranging the return of approximately 3,000 customers via empty southbound ferry flights over the coming days. These return services may carry additional fuel and conduct technical stops as needed. Air Canada has canceled its seasonal services to Holguín and Santa Clara for the remainder of the winter season. Its year‑round routes to Varadero and Cayo Coco are suspended with a tentative restart date of May 1. The airline has introduced flexible rebooking options and automatic full refunds for affected tickets, with local support provided for customers currently in Cuba.

Other carriers are adjusting operations. Air Transat, WestJet, and Sunwing have indicated plans to continue flying by arriving with sufficient fuel for the return leg. Iberia is offering changes of date or destination, vouchers, or refunds while maintaining its Spain–Cuba services and may refuel in the Dominican Republic if required. Air Europa has confirmed technical layovers in Santo Domingo for refueling, resulting in operational adjustments in the near term. Flights between Miami and Cuba are continuing as scheduled, aided by the short sector length that allows operations without refueling in Cuba.

During the NOTAM period, airlines serving Cuba are expected to manage additional operational constraints, including carrying extra fuel from origin or scheduling refueling stops in third countries. Passengers with upcoming travel to or from Cuba should check directly with their airline for the latest flight status, rebooking options, and any changes to routings or schedules.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.

Food and essential care

Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.

Accommodation

Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.

Compensation

Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Cancellations

Cause

Other

Status

Current disruption

Compensation

May qualify for compensation

Passengers affected

3000

Airlines affected

Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, Sunwing, Iberia, Air Europa

Airports affected

José Martí International (Havana), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Manzanillo

Start date

2026-02-10

End date

2026-03-11

Checked by

Matteo Floris

Date updated

10 February 2026

What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled

If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

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