Published on February 10, 2026
The landscape of Caribbean travel is being significantly reshaped as the two primary airlines of Canada have officially suspended all service to Cuba. This drastic measure is being taken as severe fuel shortages at various airports across the island continue to disrupt travel schedules during the height of the peak winter season. The cessation of these routes is viewed as a major blow to the local economy, as the move results in the total absence of flights from the primary tourism source market for the nation.
The worsening conditions on the ground have been cited by Air Canada as the primary driver for the immediate halting of all scheduled operations. Concerns have been raised regarding government advisories which warn that aviation fuel supplies have become increasingly unreliable for commercial use. It is expected by industry experts that fuel will be completely unavailable for purchase by international carriers starting on February 10. Simultaneously, the developing situation is being monitored by WestJet, with its operational decisions being aligned with the latest travel advisoryissued by Global Affairs Canada. A high degree of caution is currently urged for any individuals considering travel to the region due to the ongoing scarcity of resources and the potential for the collapse of essential services.

Strategic Repatriation of International Travelers

The immediate priority for both major carriers is identified as the safe and organized return of approximately 3,000 customers who are currently situated on the island. It has been confirmed by Air Canada that southbound flights will be operated without passengers over the coming days specifically to collect travelers, the majority of whom are currently engaged in Air Canada Vacations packages. To ensure these rescue missions are completed safely, additional fuel is being carried onboard the aircraft from the point of origin. Furthermore, technical refueling stops outside of Cuba are being planned for the return journeys to ensure the aircraft remain airworthy without relying on local infrastructure.
A similar strategy is being employed by WestJet to support the repatriation of guests. Aircraft are being dispatched from Canada in an empty configuration to facilitate the return of vacationers. It is stated by the airline that enough fuel is being carried on every departing flight to allow for a successful exit from the island without any reliance on local fuel availability. This proactive measure is intended to reduce the existing strain on local resources while ensuring that the safety of the passengers and crew is maintained throughout the extraction process.

Systematic Wind-Down of Seasonal Operations

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An orderly wind-down of all winter operations to the island has been initiated by WestJet. This comprehensive suspension encompasses several brands, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Québec. The decision to cease operations was reached as a means to protect both guests and flight crews while maintaining a level of operational reliability that has been compromised by the persistent shortages. The stability of the airline’s broader network is prioritized over the continuation of routes that face such unpredictable logistical hurdles.
The suspension of the Air Canada network is also described as a total pause of its previously robust schedule. Prior to this crisis, an average of 16 weekly flights were operated by the carrier from Toronto and Montreal. Key destinations that are now inaccessible include Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguín, and Santa Clara. While seasonal flights to Holguínand Santa Clara are officially cancelled for the remainder of the current season, year-round service to Varadero and Cayo Coco is also suspended. A tentative restart date has been set for May 1, though this remains subject to further review based on the availability of essential supplies.

Financial Recourse and Passenger Support

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The impact on future travel plans is being addressed through various refund policies and support systems. Full refunds are being offered by Air Canada Vacations to any customers whose scheduled flights have been impacted by these cancellations. It is noted that these refunds are being processed automatically to the original form of payment, meaning the company does not need to be contacted by the affected travelers. For those individuals who remain on the island, support is being provided by local representatives on the ground to ensure their needs are met until their departure is finalized.
In contrast, a specific restart timeline has not been announced by WestJet. The situation is being monitored continuously as the crisis develops. In the interim, the aircraft that were originally assigned to the various routes in Cuba are being redeployed to other destinations within the airline’s network. This reallocation of assets allows the carriers to maintain their flight hours while avoiding the logistical traps currently presented by the island’s infrastructure.

Regional Tourism Developments in Guyana

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While the northern Caribbean faces logistical challenges, the Caribbean Tourism Organization has turned its focus toward South America for future industry leadership. It has been announced that Guyana is selected to host the State of the Tourism Industry Conference in October 2026. This selection marks the first time that the country will serve as the venue for this prominent regional forum since the inception of the event. The conference is scheduled to take place in Georgetown from October 5 through October 9, 2026.
Hundreds of tourism professionals, stakeholders, and government officials are expected to be brought together by this event. The staging of such a high-profile conference is seen as a significant milestone for the host nation, highlighting its growing influence within the regional tourism sector. While the current focus remains on the immediate fuel crisis affecting travel in other parts of the Caribbean, the long-term planning for the 2026 conference suggests a continued commitment to regional growth and cooperation.
The transition of the conference to Georgetown is expected to provide a platform for discussing the evolving challenges of the industry, including the very infrastructure and resource issues currently being witnessed. The resilience of the Caribbean travel market is often tested by such localized crises, yet the systematic response by major carriers and the forward-looking scheduling of regional events demonstrate a structured approach to managing both immediate disruptions and long-term strategic goals.

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Tags: Air Canada, Air Canada Vacations, caribbean tourism, Cuba Travel Advisory, flight cancellations

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