Cuba’s air travel at risk as fuel shortages compound economic strain

Cuba risks losing vital international air links as the country prepares for a severe aviation fuel shortage and broader economic pressures.

The Cuban government has informed international airlines that they will not be able to refuel aircraft at Havana’s José Martí International Airport and other major airports from February 10 through at least March 11 due to the impending depletion of aviation fuel reserves. The Federal Aviation Administration issued an aviation notice confirming that A‑1 jet fuel will not be available at José Martí during that period, EFE reports.

Cuba’s main international gateway is served by carriers from the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America. Airlines now face the prospect of rescheduling flights, making technical stops abroad, or cancelling services if they cannot secure fuel elsewhere. This disruption threatens to dim Cuba’s already fragile tourism sector, a critical source of foreign currency for the island.

According to reports, the fuel shortage and broader energy crisis are unfolding amid increased economic pressure from the United States’ policies under former President Donald Trump. Washington has threatened tariffs on any country that supplies oil to Cuba, and actions taken earlier this year effectively cut off fuel shipments from Venezuela, Cuba’s long‑time energy ally.

The situation has broader social and economic ramifications. In recent weeks, Cuba has implemented emergency measures to cope with the ongoing energy crisis, including potential reductions in public transport, shortened work weeks, and changes to university class schedules. Authorities have also begun closing some tourism facilities, concentrating visitors in fewer hotels to maximize foreign revenue.

In addition, the Central American nation of Nicaragua has altered its immigration rules to require visas for Cuban citizens, effectively blocking a key migration route traditionally used by Cubans seeking to travel north. Nearly one in five Cuban residents has left the island in the past decade amid economic hardship.

By Vafa Guliyeva