Air Canada and WestJet have indefinitely suspended flights to Cuba amid economic and political uncertainty on the island.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Air Canada AC-T, WestJet Airlines and Air Transat have indefinitely suspended flights and vacation packages in Cuba, as shortages of food, fuel and electricity grow worse amid widening U.S. sanctions.
The airlines had planned to resume flights to Cuba in the fall after pausing service in February.
Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick pointed to the “ongoing political and economic uncertainty” in the country and said affected customers will be offered options that include refunds.
WestJet cited the “current operating environment” for the “difficult decision,” which includes its Sunwing Vacations division.
“We recognize this news may be disappointing for guests and travel advisers, particularly given the strong connection many Canadians have with Cuba and its people,” the carrier said in an e-mail. “Cuba has long been a cherished destination for our guests, and we are mindful of the challenges currently facing local communities, tourism workers, and industry partners who rely on the sector.”
Air Transat spokeswoman Andréan Gagné said the Montreal-based carrier will deploy its planes elsewhere next winter. “We are aware of the impact this situation may have on our passengers’ travel plans, and we have not taken this decision lightly,” Ms. Gagné said.
In February, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the island, cutting off most fuel supplies and setting off waves of blackouts and food shortages.
The U.S. also cut off Cuba’s fuel imports from Venezuela, its main source, after launching a military strike there and capturing the country’s leader and his wife.
Airlines quickly began redrawing their winter schedules, halting Cuban flights and repatriating customers amid warnings from Cuba that refueling there was not possible.
The island country is an important market for WestJet, which had planned 400 flights there in February. In all, Canadian carriers were scheduled to operate 605 Cuban flights in February, according to aviation data company Cirium.
Airlines this year are also grappling with soaring fuel prices after Iran all but closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key petroleum shipping lane, after being attacked the U.S. and Israel.
Cuba to suspend Visa, Mastercard transactions due to U.S. sanctions, central bank says
Canadians were the largest tourism group in Cuba, accounting for more than 41 per cent of visitors in 2025, according to Cuba’s National Office of Statistics and Information. In 2025, 754,000 Canadians travelled to Cuba, down from 860,000 in 2024. Cubans living abroad and Russians were the next largest groups, followed by U.S. citizens.
Mr. Trump this week imposed sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and his family, along with other officials. He has signed an executive order, effective June 5, that freezes the U.S. assets of foreign companies and people that conduct business with the Communist regime.
Ahead of the sanctions, hotel operators began leaving the country.
Montreal-based Royalton Hotels & Resorts Ltd. and Spanish hotel companies Meliá Hotels International and Iberostar said this week they were ending management and licensing operations in Cuba, as the sanctions went into effect.
The government of Canada advises against non-essential travel to Cuba, warning of deepening shortages of food, water and other necessities that can affect services at resorts. Power blackouts are a daily occurrence, Ottawa warns, and hotels that rely on power generators could run out of fuel.
“Commercial flights remain available through international airlines; however, they may become limited on short notice. You should consider leaving while options remain available,” the advisory says.
The Cuba Tourist Board, a government agency, said Canadians are still vacationing there by connecting with the 20 international airlines still serving the country.
Havana José Marti International Airport departures screen on Friday showed several flights to Mexico and Miami, including some flown by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, according to FlightRadar24’s website. The U.S. does not permit its citizens to visit Cuba as tourists but allows trips for family visits and other reasons.
The Cuban tourism agency, which did not respond to interview requests, said in a statement on its website the island remains “safe and welcoming.”
“Cuba continues to keep its borders open, adapting its operations to ensure a seamless experience for visitors.”