Cuba cancels fuel shortage alert, Canadian airlines operating normally

Cuban aviation authorities have cancelled previous notices regarding a shortage of fuel for aircraft – a situation that would have possibly led to cancelled flights out of Canada and Russia.

Reports from Cuban media over the weekend pointed to a government-issued statement regarding the shortage of JET-A1 aviation fuel at Havana and Varadero airports from December 1-8.

The notice reportedly led some airlines to issue alerts, especially to Russian travellers, one of Cuba’s main markets (in addition to Canada).

The official notice from Aviation in Cuba, signed by José Ramón Hernández, director of operations at ECASA, indicated that it was uncertain whether the disruption could last "until further notice."

As of Monday, however, it appears the situation has changed.

According to Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, the NOTAMs –  notices to aircraft – warning about the fuel shortage at the airports in Havana and Varadero are no longer in effect, reports CiberCuba, a Cuba-based news outlet.

In statements to PAX, both Air Transat and Sunwing have confirmed that their flights to Cuba this week are operating as usual.

"The NOTAM was cancelled last evening and the jet fuel issue should be resolved, therefore no longer affecting our operations,” Air Transat’s communications department wrote in an email Sunday night (Dec. 1).

In a company statement, Sunwing said it has been in contact with Cuban authorities and has been advised that fuel continues to be available.

“Based on this information, Sunwing flights are operating as planned at this time,” the tour operator wrote. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise our customers and travel advisors in the event of any changes in destination.”

PAX also reached out to Air Canada and WestJet for updates but did not hear back by press time. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.