Air Canada suspends all flights to Cuba, effective immediately – National


Air Canada suspends its service to Cuba due to the constant shortage of aviation fuel on the island. This suspension followed threats from the US president Donald Trump impose tariffs on countries that supply Cuba with oil.

In a press release shared with Global News, Air Canada said that in the coming days, the airline will operate empty flights southbound to pick up “approximately 3,000 customers already at their destination and bring them home.”

“Air Canada made the decision following advisories issued by governments (NOTAMs) regarding the unreliability of aviation fuel supplies at Cuban airports. As of February 10, it is anticipated that aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports. For the remaining flights, Air Canada will refuel and, if necessary, make technical stops to refuel on the way back if necessary,” added the press release.

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Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine the appropriate resumption of normal service to Cuba in the future, according to the company.

Air Canada says its immediate priority is to “return customers already in Cuba to Canada.”

“In the coming days, it will operate empty ferry flights to the island to maintain its regular schedule from Cuba to Canada on short notice to pick up these customers,” Air Canada added.


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Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations are also introducing a flexible rebooking policy for customers traveling to Cuba, while introducing a refund policy that allows customers who had scheduled departures to Cuba and experienced a flight cancellation to automatically receive a full refund in the original form of payment. Air Canada says these customers do not need to contact the Air Canada Vacation Contact Center.

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People currently in Cuba who have booked an Air Canada Vacations package will receive direct support from local Air Canada Vacations representatives.

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WestJet and Air Transat confirm that flights are still operating

WestJet and Air Transat have not yet suspended flights.

Air Transat confirmed in a statement to Global News that it will continue to “operate flights as scheduled with contingency measures in place.”


“The Cuban authorities have informed us of the temporary suspension of kerosene supplies at airports across the country. Despite this situation, which is beyond our control, we expect to operate our flights as scheduled with emergency measures in place, such as a technical stop when necessary,” said an Air Transat spokesperson.

“In the meantime, we remain in close communication with local authorities and are closely monitoring the situation,” the airline added.

Air Transat has implemented “a special flexibility policy for customers planning to travel to Cuba.”

For those departing by February 28, date or destination changes are permitted without penalty or a full refund will be issued. For departures between March 1 and April 30, date or destination changes are permitted without penalty, with the issuance of a travel credit equal to the value of the original reservation.

In a statement to Global News, WestJet confirmed that it was still operating flights to the island nation and assured passengers that “flights are arriving in Cuba with enough fuel to safely depart Cuba.”

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“WestJet has activated its Flex Change/Cancel policy on westjet.com, allowing guests with upcoming travel to Cuba to adjust their plans without penalty. Sunwing.ca has also been updated with flexible travel options for Sunwing Vacations guests,” said a spokesperson for WestJet Media & Sunwing Media.

“Our focus remains on the safety of our guests and our WestJetters. It is also important to note that all WestJet flights arrive in Cuba with sufficient fuel to safely depart Cuba,” the airline added.

Trump threatens tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba

Cuba’s fuel shortage began after Trump signed an executive order last week threatening to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba.

The order would primarily put pressure on Mexico, a government that has acted as an oil lifeline for Cuba and has consistently expressed solidarity with America’s adversary, even as Mexico’s president. Claudia Sheinbaum sought to build a strong relationship with Trump.

On Thursday, a reporter asked Trump if he was trying to “suffocate” Cuba, which he called a “failing nation.”

“The word ‘choke’ is very difficult,” Trump said. “I’m not trying, but it looks like it’s something he just won’t be able to survive.”

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and a number of other Cuban officials condemned Trump’s executive order. Rodríguez called it “a brutal act of aggression against Cuba and its people… who are now threatened with extreme living conditions.”

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Global News reached out to Transport Canada but had not heard back by press time.

This is a developing story. Check again for updates.

— With files from the Associated Press

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.





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