“Avoid non-essential travel”: Canada upgrades risk level for Cuba

The Government of Canada has changed the risk level for Cuba to “avoid non-essential travel” due to "worsening shortages of fuel and basic necessities" on the island and the suspension of service by Canadian airlines.

The update, posted Wednesday night (Feb. 11) to Canada’s travel advice page, notes that ground transportation in Cuba may be disrupted due to the fuel shortage. 

Canada's previous guidance for Cuba warned travellers to exercise "a high degree of caution." 

As previously reported, Canadian carriers have suspended service to Cuba for upcoming trips. 

The Canadian government notes that airlines are currently facilitating the return of travellers currently in Cuba and are reaching out directly to them.

“Confirm your return flight details and avoid extending your stay in Cuba,” the notice reads. “If you do not have a return ticket, seek a commercial option to leave the country.”

READ MORE: Cuba: ACTA president, WestJet CEO address flight suspensions; tourist board thanks industry for support

The advisory says commercial flights remain available through international airlines. However, they may become limited on short notice.

Logistical challenges “beyond our control"

This week’s flight suspensions announced by Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat follow mounting operational challenges in Cuba tied to fuel supply, among other things, such as food shortages and rolling blackouts.

The disruptions come amid renewed pressure from the United States. 

The Trump administration is cutting Cuba off from using traditional fuel sources in an effort to increase economic pressure on the island nation, which has long been subject to strict U.S. sanctions.

The tightening of fuel access has contributed to the instability at Cuban airports, resulting in a NOTAM warning to airlines last Sunday.

READ MORE: “Heartbreaking”: Cancellations, recalls & communities left behind – agents react to Cuba

In an open letter posted Tuesday (Feb. 10), the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto thanked the Canadian travel industry for their “unwavering support” as it faces logistical challenges “beyond our control,” stemming from “a complex global geopolitical landscape” that has strained international supply chains.

The organization also offered “sincere apologies to the thousands of passengers whose long-awaited vacations have been disrupted.”

“We also wish to recognize the immense effort put forth by our travel partners—the advisors, tour operators, and all involved-who have worked tirelessly to accommodate their clients during this time. Your dedication does not go unnoticed,” the letter reads.

“We wish to reassure you that many tourism facilities in Cuba remain operational and guests currently at their destinations will continue to enjoy their stays as planned until their scheduled return dates.”

Airlines press pause

Over the coming days, Air Canada plans to operate empty flights to Cuba to pick up and return roughly 3,000 customers currently in destination.

As reported, the airline’s seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Air Canada’s flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, which are normally year-round, are suspended, with a tentative restart on May 1 (pending review).

The WestJet Group's decision to wind down winter operations in Cuba will affect WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.

It, too, will begin operating empty aircraft to Cuba to support an organized return of guests currently vacationing there. Air Transat will do the same.

The measures, including revised rebooking and refund policies, effectively eliminate a significant portion of airlift to Cuba during the peak winter season.

In a statement to CTVNews.ca, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said that as of Monday, 7,204 Canadians are registered as being in Cuba. However, other reports indicate that the number could be as high as 10,000.

GAC, however, noted that registration is voluntary and does not represent the total number of Canadians currently in the country. 

PAX spoke to Canadian travel advisors this week to get their take on Cuba's situation. Click here to read our story.

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