Cuba Fuel Crisis 2026: Russian & Canadian Airlines Evacuate Tourists Amid US Blockade

Cuba Fuel Crisis 2026: What's Happening?

In a dramatic escalation of Cuba's economic crisis, Russian and Canadian airlines are launching emergency evacuation operations to rescue thousands of tourists stranded on the island nation. The crisis stems from a severe fuel shortage that has left all nine of Cuba's international airports without jet fuel from February 10 to March 11, 2026, creating what experts call the most severe aviation shutdown in modern Caribbean history. The US oil blockade against Cuba has effectively cut off petroleum supplies, forcing airlines to suspend operations and triggering a humanitarian emergency on the communist island.

Emergency Evacuation Operations Underway

According to the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia, two Russian airlines - Rossiya (part of the Aeroflot group) and Severny Veter (Nordwind) - are sending special flights to repatriate approximately 4,000 Russian tourists currently in Cuba. These airlines will operate outbound-only flights before suspending services indefinitely due to the fuel crisis. 'The situation is critical,' stated a Kremlin spokesperson, accusing the United States of trying to 'suffocate' Cuba through economic pressure.

Canadian airlines are implementing similar emergency measures, with Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Sunwing suspending all services to Cuba. Air Canada has announced plans to evacuate 'a few thousand' Canadian tourists in the coming days using specially arranged flights. The total number of stranded tourists is estimated at over 3,000 Canadians plus thousands more from other nations, creating an unprecedented tourism evacuation scenario.

Why Are Airlines Forced to Evacuate?

The immediate trigger for the evacuation crisis is a Cuban government warning issued this week that no jet fuel remains available for foreign airlines at any of the country's international airports. This 29-day fuel shortage has forced the cancellation of over 400 weekly flights, devastating Cuba's crucial tourism industry which accounts for approximately 10% of the nation's GDP. Airlines that continue operating, including Air France and Air Europa, must make technical stops in third countries like the Dominican Republic or Mexico to refuel before continuing to Cuba.

The Root Causes: US Blockade and Economic Collapse

The current crisis represents the culmination of years of economic pressure on Cuba, dramatically accelerated by the Trump administration's foreign policy in Latin America. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, Cuba lost its primary source of petroleum imports. The United States then imposed tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, with Mexico cancelling planned shipments under this pressure.

Cuba's economic situation has deteriorated rapidly, with the economy contracting by 16% since 2019 and hyperinflation devastating state wages and pensions. The UN has warned of potential humanitarian 'collapse' in Cuba, with UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressing extreme concern about the worsening situation. 'We are working with Cuba on economic diversification and climate resilience,' noted UN Resident Coordinator Francisco Pichón, highlighting the compounding effects of Hurricane Melissa's devastation in October 2025.

Impact on Cuban Citizens and Infrastructure

While tourists face evacuation challenges, Cuban citizens endure far more severe conditions. The country experiences:

• Daily power outages lasting 12+ hours
• Severe fuel rationing affecting public transportation
• Food and medicine shortages reaching critical levels
• Four-day workweek implemented to conserve energy
• Empty bus stops and families resorting to wood/coal for cooking

The Cuban government has prioritized fuel for essential services like healthcare and food production while accelerating renewable energy adoption. Vice Premier Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga declared on state television, 'We are not going to collapse,' even as the Cuban economic crisis deepens with each passing day.

Travel Advisory and Safety Implications

For international travelers, the situation presents significant safety concerns. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a yellow travel advisory for Cuba but warns that energy problems will likely increase in coming weeks. Key recommendations include:

1. Always carry a charged phone and power banks
2. Be prepared for street lighting, traffic lights, ATMs, and security systems to fail unexpectedly
3. Avoid travel during nighttime hours when visibility and security may be compromised
4. Monitor airline communications closely for evacuation updates

European airlines continue to operate with refueling stops, but travelers should expect significant disruptions and potential last-minute cancellations. The situation remains fluid, with the Cuban government estimating the fuel shortage will last at least through mid-March 2026.

Geopolitical Implications and International Response

The Cuba fuel crisis represents a significant escalation in the US-Latin America relations under the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American long critical of the Havana regime, has played a key role in shaping the current policy approach. Russia has expressed solidarity with Cuba but offered unclear practical support amid sensitive negotiations with the US administration.

Mexico initially provided humanitarian aid shipments, with a second delivery expected this week, but has ceased oil exports under US pressure. The international community watches nervously as Cuba's social indicators - including universal healthcare, education, and social safety nets - come under severe strain from the combined effects of economic sanctions and energy shortages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long will the Cuba fuel crisis last?

Cuban authorities have warned that jet fuel will be unavailable at international airports from February 10 to March 11, 2026 - a 29-day period. However, broader fuel shortages affecting the Cuban economy may persist much longer depending on geopolitical developments.

Which airlines are evacuating tourists from Cuba?

Russian airlines Rossiya and Severny Veter are evacuating approximately 4,000 Russian tourists. Canadian carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Sunwing are evacuating over 3,000 Canadian tourists. Other airlines are making special arrangements for their stranded passengers.

What caused Cuba's fuel shortage?

The crisis stems from a US oil blockade that cut off Cuba's petroleum supplies from Venezuela and Mexico. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro and US tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, the island nation lost its primary fuel sources.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba now?

Most governments advise against non-essential travel to Cuba due to severe energy shortages, frequent blackouts, transportation disruptions, and potential security concerns from failing infrastructure systems.

How is this affecting Cuban citizens?

Cubans face daily 12+ hour power outages, severe fuel rationing, food and medicine shortages, and a collapsed public transportation system. The government has implemented a four-day workweek and prioritized fuel for essential services.

Sources

The Guardian: Russian tourists evacuate Cuba
Al Jazeera: US blockade crippling life in Cuba
UN warns of humanitarian collapse in Cuba
TravelTourister: Cuba jet fuel crisis details