Air Canada Cancels Flights to Cuba as Cuba Runs Out of Jet Fuel

New York Times - WorldEN 4 min read 100% complete by Frances RoblesFebruary 9, 2026 at 10:53 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Air Canada has suspended its 16 weekly flights to Cuba due to a fuel shortage caused by the Trump administration's crackdown on oil shipments to the island. The move follows President Trump's announcement that he would impose tariffs on any nation providing oil to Cuba, which largely affected Mexico as one of the few remaining sources of oil for the island. Cuba had relied on Venezuela for most of its fuel needs, but the US took control of Venezuela's oil industry after a January 3 attack and stopped shipments to Cuba. The airline will send empty jets from Montreal and Toronto to bring back approximately 3,000 Canadian tourists currently visiting the island. Canada is the top source of tourists to Cuba. The fuel shortage has triggered an energy crisis in Cuba, which has been exacerbated by the Trump administration's measures.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Toronto 30% Montreal 30% Mexico 40% Jose Marti International Airport 40% Russian airlines 50% Havana 50% Venezuela ×260% Russia ×260% Canada ×370% Air Canada ×380% Trump administration ×490% Cuba ×12100%

Keywords

cuba 100% jet fuel 90% air canada 80% oil shipments 70% flight cancellations 70% trump administration 60% travel industry 60% tourism 50% energy crisis 50% economic sanctions 40%