Air Transat and Air Canada have suspended flights to Cuba after authorities warned of an aviation fuel shortage at airports across the island, forcing both carriers to focus on returning thousands of travellers already at destination.

Air Transat announced it has temporarily halted all flights to Cuba until April 30, 2026, following what it described as rapid developments and advisories from Cuban officials about fuel availability. The airline said flights could resume as early as May 1, depending on how the situation evolves.

The carrier said its immediate priority is ensuring the safe and orderly return of Canadian travellers currently in Cuba. Air Transat has begun organising repatriation flights and expects to return 100 per cent of affected customers to their original departure points by February 17, 2026.

Return flights from Cuba to Canada are scheduled to operate between February 11 and February 17. The airline said some flights will operate as originally scheduled, while others may be adjusted due to fuel-supply constraints, with additional flights added to assist the operation. 

Aircraft used for repatriation will carry the necessary fuel to complete the flights.

Canada is a major source market for tourist visiting communist run island.

Meanwhile, Air Canada said it has also suspended its service to Cuba effective immediately due to the ongoing shortage of aviation fuel on the island. The airline said the decision followed government advisories, known as Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs), warning that aviation fuel is projected to be unavailable for commercial use at Cuban airports as of February 10.

Air Canada said it plans to operate empty ferry flights to Cuba over the coming days to collect approximately 3,000 customers already at destination and return them to Canada. The airline added that for any remaining flights, it will tanker additional fuel and may make technical stops to refuel on return journeys if necessary.

Air Canada operates an average of 16 weekly flights to four Cuban destinations from Toronto and Montreal, including services to Cayo Coco, Holguín, Varadero and Santa Clara. 

The airline said seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara have been cancelled for the remainder of the season, while year-round services to Varadero and Cayo Coco are currently suspended with a tentative restart date of May 1, pending review.

Both airlines said their priority is assisting customers currently in Cuba.

Travellers in Cuba who booked Transat all-inclusive packages can rely on on-site representatives for support, while those who booked flights directly with Air Transat or through other tour operators have been advised to contact the airline’s destination assistance service. 

Air Transat said customers currently at destination will receive direct communication with details about their return itineraries.

Similarly, Air Canada said most of its approximately 3,000 customers in Cuba are travelling on Air Canada Vacations packages and can access support through local representatives. 

The airline also confirmed that customers with cancelled Cuba trips will automatically receive full refunds in their original form of payment, with no action required.

Air Transat said all bookings for travel to Cuba between February 11 and April 30, 2026, will be automatically cancelled and refunded, with the process expected to take about 14 days and prioritised based on departure dates. 

Refunds for shortened stays will be processed within approximately 21 days after travellers return home, while accommodation costs will be covered for package customers whose stays are extended because of flight changes.

Both airlines said they will continue monitoring the situation in Cuba and will provide updates as more information becomes available.