Air Canada Vacations suspends Cuba service until further notice

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is postponing its resumption of service to Cuba "until further notice," according to a notice shared with travel advisors on Thursday (June 4).

The update comes amid “ongoing uncertainty” in the island destination, which is struggling with many setbacks, including fuel shortages, supply issues and sanctions brought on by the United States.

Air Canada has not operated passenger flights to Cuba since February and was set to resume service in November.

READ MORE: Meliá exits Cuba over economic & geopolitical strains

However, the airline and tour operator appear to be reassessing the situation amid recent developments involving the withdrawal of foreign hotel operators from the country.

Over the past week, Meliá Hotels International, Iberostar, Archipelago International and Blue Diamond Resorts have all withdrawn their operations in Cuba due to looming U.S. sanctions.

The country will also suspend Visa and Mastercard payments beginning June 6, as PAX reported earlier today.

Refunds & protections  

ACV customers who are affected by the Cuba suspension will be notified and offered options, including a full refund, the tour operator said.

“This measure is to provide customers more certainty with regard to future travel and allow them to explore alternative vacation destinations,” ACV wrote in its message to advisors. “Air Canada Vacations will continue to monitor the situation.”

“We understand the impact this may have on your business—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.”

READ MORE: Iberostar withdraws from managing 12 military-connected hotels in Cuba: report

ACV has also rolled out protections and rebooking incentives.

This includes a $100 rebooking offer on affected bookings (valid on package bookings only when rebooked to a new vacation package) and commission protection, for travel advisors, to ensure their efforts are "recognized and preserved."

Travel advisors can also earn $50 in ACV&ME points for each qualifying new booking (registration required here).

“Our teams are proactively reaching out to clients, so no action is required on your end,” said ACV. “Thank you for your continued professionalism, resilience, and dedication. We remain committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.”

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