Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans
Air Transat has announced a temporary suspension of all flights to Cuba, effective immediately and running until 30 April 2026. The decision follows confirmation from Cuban authorities of an expected shortage of aviation fuel at several destination airports. The pause affects the airline’s entire Cuba programme and applies to departures starting 11 February, as operational conditions no longer allow services to continue as scheduled.
The airline’s immediate focus is on customers already in Cuba. Air Transat is arranging repatriation flights to return passengers to Canada over the coming days, using aircraft carrying sufficient fuel for round-trip operations. Passengers travelling on all-inclusive holidays are being assisted on the ground by local Transat teams. Customers holding flight-only tickets are being contacted directly with information about return flights and practical next steps.
All flights to Cuba planned between 11 February and 30 April 2026 have been cancelled. Refunds will be returned automatically to the original payment method, and affected customers do not need to do anything. Customers do not need to take any action. No action is required from affected customers. Air Transat says services could resume as early as 1 May 2026, depending on how fuel availability develops, and confirms it will continue monitoring the situation closely in coordination with local authorities.
What changes for Cuba-bound trips
- All Air Transat flights to Cuba paused until 30 April
- Automatic refunds issued for affected bookings
- Repatriation flights organised for current passengers
- On-site support maintained for package holidays
- Possible restart of services from 1 May 2026
The suspension shows how quickly winter travel in the Caribbean can be affected by issues beyond airlines’ control, even during the busiest part of the season. With one major carrier pausing services to Cuba, travellers are likely to look instead at destinations where flight schedules are less prone to disruption. The disruption shows the importance of clear refund rules and prompt airline updates when flights are changed at short notice.
