Cuba. Photo Julian Peters Photography / Shutterstock The energy crisis in Cuba is worsening: Havana's main international airport, José Martí International Airport, has announced that commercial aircraft will not be able to refuel with jet fuel for about a month.
The announcement, made through the international aviation NOTAM system, which airlines and air crews use to update them on operational changes and malfunctions, indicates that planes landing in Havana will not be able to refuel before their next flight. The situation could affect schedules, flight route planning, and even the continued operation of some international routes to the country.
The fuel shortage is expected to last from February 10 to March 11, 2026, and at this stage, no clear estimate has been given regarding a full return to normal.
The Canadian airline Air Canada also announced the suspension of its flights to Cuba, citing ongoing jet fuel shortages on the island. The company stated that operations to Cuba have been suspended as of today, February 9, and that empty flights will be operated in the coming days to return approximately 3,000 passengers already in the country to Canada. Air Canada stated that the decision was made following government warnings and uncertainty about fuel availability at Cuban airports, and emphasized that the company will continue to monitor developments and consider a date to resume operations.
The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened in recent days, after US President Donald Trump signed a presidential order last month threatening to impose tariffs on countries that trade fuel with Cuba. As part of the order, Trump claimed that the Cuban government's actions constitute an "unusual and extraordinary threat."
Security Warning from the US Embassy
Last week, the United States Embassy in Havana issued a security warning to American citizens residing in Cuba or planning to travel there, amid a significant deterioration in the stability of the country's national electricity grid.
According to a statement from the US Embassy, Cuba is experiencing frequent, scheduled, and unscheduled power outages that occur daily throughout the country, including in the capital, Havana. The outages directly affect water supply, lighting, cooling systems, and communications.
The embassy recommends taking precautions and preparing for extended power outages, including stockpiling water, food, and charging cell phones and backup batteries. It also said that American citizens should be aware that there have been recent cases where American citizens have been denied entry upon arrival in Cuba.