Thousands of Canadians Await Repatriation Flights
Canadians vacationing in Cuba face extended delays for flights home amid a deepening energy crisis triggered by restricted oil supplies. The island nation notified international airlines on February 9 that aviation fuel supplies will end starting February 10, exacerbating widespread disruptions.
Major carriers such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have suspended all services to Cuba. Each airline confirms plans to repatriate stranded travelers. WestJet, based in Calgary, notes that its suspension impacts WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec operations through the winter season.
Air Canada cites government advisories highlighting the unreliability of aviation fuel at Cuban airports as the reason for cancellations.
U.S. Blockade Disrupts Oil Imports
Venezuela, a key oil supplier to Cuba, halted exports in early 2026 following geopolitical shifts, including U.S. involvement. The Trump administration enforces measures to sever Cuba’s access to traditional fuel sources, intensifying long-standing U.S. economic sanctions on the Florida-coastline nation.
These actions provoke severe shortages, stranding over 7,000 Canadian tourists and complicating regional travel.
Humanitarian Aid Deliveries Stalled
Charitable organizations face major hurdles delivering essential supplies. Jennifer Raymer, director of Together for Cuba, an Ontario-based group, states, “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 adds, “I knew that as soon as the airlines stopped, we would be stuck without getting aid in. I haven’t slept since yesterday.”
Halting these shipments worsens conditions in the resource-scarce nation. “The Cuban people face an even harder struggle,” Raymer explains. “Many bags contain prescription medications for heart disease, diabetes, and surgical kits that save lives.”
Raymer hopes airlines will transport the supplies on repatriation flights, but none have agreed so far. “People can’t undergo surgeries or access needed medications,” she notes. “Surgical packs await patients, yet sit idle in London, Ontario.”
Canadian Leaders Call for Action
NDP interim leader Don Davies urges immediate Canadian support amid the crisis. “Recent U.S. actions provoke a severe humanitarian crisis, disrupting travel and stranding Canadians as airlines suspend flights,” Davies states.
He criticizes threats of tariffs on third countries transporting fuel to Cuba as expanded economic pressure. Davies calls out Prime Minister Mark Carney’s silence, insisting, “Canada must stand with the Cuban people and resist aggression clearly. This tests our principles, and we cannot fail.”
