Final Canadian-operated flights have left Cuba, Anand confirms

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand says the last Canadian-operated flights have departed Cuba.

In a statement posted Thursday evening on X, she thanked airline workers for safely returning more than 27,900 travellers to Canada. 

“If you are still in Cuba, some commercial flights remain available through international airlines,” Minister Anand wrote. “Please consider departing while options are still available.”

As reported, the Government of Canada has updated its travel advice for Cuba to “avoid all non-essential travel” due to worsening fuel, electricity, food, water and medicine shortages going on in the island amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade.

“All Canadian airlines have suspended service to Cuba until further notice,” the travel advice reads.

It is unclear how long the restrictions will remain in place for Canadians.

As reported, Air Canada, WestJet (inclusive of Sunwing Vacations) and Air Transat have all halted Cuba flights until at least the end of April.

Air Canada, for one, says its seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the winter season. But the airline said its flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco may restart on May 1 following a review of the situation. 

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has faced growing calls to condemn the United States or provide aid to Cuba. 

Global Affairs Canada has also been warning travellers for more than a year about shortages of basic necessities in the country.

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