Thousands of Canadians remain stranded in Cuba as an escalating energy crisis disrupts flights and hinders aid deliveries. The island nation faces severe shortages after the United States intensified efforts to sever its oil supplies.
Flight Disruptions Escalate
Cuba issued warnings to international airlines on February 9, stating that aviation fuel would no longer be available starting February 10. This move signals deepening challenges from the U.S. blockade targeting Cuba’s traditional oil sources.
Major Canadian carriers, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat, have suspended all services to Cuba. Each airline confirms plans to repatriate stranded travelers back to Canada.
WestJet, based in Calgary, notes that its suspension impacts WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec operations during the winter season.
Air Canada cited government advisories on unreliable aviation fuel supplies at Cuban airports as the reason for cancellations.
Root Causes of the Crisis
Venezuela, a key oil supplier to Cuba, halted exports in early 2026 following geopolitical shifts, including U.S. involvement. The Trump administration aims to pressure the Cuban government through these restrictions, building on decades of U.S. economic sanctions.
Aid Shipments Face Major Hurdles
Charitable organizations report significant obstacles in delivering essential supplies. Jennifer Raymer, director of Together for Cuba, an Ontario-based aid group, described the situation: “The Cuban people are devastated. They rely on tourists for employment in taxis, hotels, food services, and Canadians often bring aid.”
The agency ships 600 large duffle bags—totaling about 14,000 kg—of medicines, surgical supplies, and medical aid annually. Raymer added, “I knew that as soon as the airlines stopped, we would be stuck without getting aid in. I haven’t slept since yesterday.”
These shipments include life-saving prescription medications for heart conditions and diabetes, along with surgical packs. Halting them exacerbates hardships in the impoverished nation.
Raymer hopes airlines will transport the supplies on repatriation flights carrying over 7,000 stranded Canadian tourists. So far, no carriers have agreed. “It means people can’t have surgeries or get needed medications. Surgical packs are waiting, now stuck in London, Ontario,” she said.
Canadian Political Response
NDP interim leader Don Davies urged immediate Canadian support for Cuba amid what he called escalating U.S. aggression. “Recent U.S. actions provoke a severe humanitarian crisis, disrupting regional travel and stranding Canadians as airlines suspend flights,” Davies stated.
He criticized the approach of threatening tariffs on third countries transporting fuel to Cuba as an expansion of economic coercion. Davies also noted Prime Minister Mark Carney’s silence on the issue, calling for Canada to stand with Cubans: “This is a defining test of principle, and we must not fail it.”
