February 10, 2026
Cuba continues to hold a special place in the hearts of travelers drawn to its vibrant culture, warm people, and unique character. However, recent developments regarding jet fuel availability and energy supply have created significant changes that anyone considering travel to Cuba needs to understand. This Cuba travel update aims to inform you about the current situation.
At Marysol Travel, we believe in providing honest, clear information to help you make the best decisions for your circumstances. Here’s what’s happening, how it affects travel to Cuba right now, and what options you have.
On February 9, 2026, Cuban aviation authorities issued official NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) alerts confirming that Jet A-1 fuel—the standard fuel for commercial aviation—will not be available at Cuba’s nine international airports from February 10 through at least March 11, 2026.
The affected airports include:
This fuel shortage stems from disrupted international supply chains, specifically the interruption of oil shipments from Venezuela (Cuba’s primary supplier) since mid-December 2025, combined with ceased shipments from Mexico in mid-January 2026 under international pressure.
All four major Canadian airlines serving Cuba have suspended operations until at least April 30, 2026:
Airlines are not accepting new bookings to Cuba until service resumes on or after May 1st, 2026.
If you’re a Canadian traveler currently in Cuba: Contact your airline directly for your repatriation flight details. Airlines are prioritizing getting passengers home.
If you’re a Canadian with upcoming Cuba bookings: Your airline should contact you about cancellations and refund/rebooking options. For questions about passenger rights, consult Air Passenger Rights Canada.
Here’s important news for non-Canadian travelers: airlines from other countries are continuing operations to Cuba, though many have made adjustments:
From the USA: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines continue multiple daily flights. These carriers bring sufficient fuel for round trips and don’t need to refuel in Cuba, so operations are largely unaffected.
From Mexico: Aeromexico continues operations to Cuba as usual.
From Spain: Iberia and Air Europa are maintaining Madrid–Havana routes with technical refueling stops in Caribbean third countries (such as the Dominican Republic).
From France: Air France confirmed it will maintain its Havana route with technical stops at other Caribbean airports rather than cancelling.
From Panama: Copa Airlines announced continuation of flights to Cuba.
From Russia: Rossiya Airlines (an Aeroflot subsidiary) continues flights to Havana and Varadero with route adjustments for refueling in third countries.
Other carriers: Turkish Airlines and Latin American carriers like Viva Aerobus have not announced suspensions, though they haven’t all confirmed specific adjustments yet. Long-haul operators are likely adapting similarly with technical fuel stops.
You can monitor real-time flight arrivals and departures at Havana’s José Martí International Airport on sites like Skyscanner.
In parallel with the aviation fuel shortage, Cuba’s tourism sector is implementing emergency measures to manage the broader energy crisis.
On February 7, 2026, Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga announced what the government is calling a “compaction” or “consolidation” of tourism facilities—essentially closing some hotels with low occupancy rates and relocating guests to other properties.
According to reports from tourism industry sources:
The Cuba Tourist Board in London released a statement on February 7, 2026, asserting that:
The Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto issued similar reassurances on February 3-4, 2026, noting that Canadian arrivals actually increased 15 percent over the November 2025–January 2026 period compared to the previous year, and emphasizing that all resort operations are functioning “normally and securely for the 2025/2026 winter season.”
However, it’s important to understand the complete picture. While hotels serving international tourists have priority access to generators and fuel reserves, the broader Cuban population faces:
Cuba’s tourism industry closed 2025 with only 1.8 million international visitors—17.8% less than 2024 and well short of the government’s 2.6 million target. Hotel occupancy rates in the first half of 2025 declined to 21.5%, down seven percentage points year-over-year.
At Marysol Travel, we’ve been arranging Cuba travel for years because we genuinely love this destination and its people. That’s why we’re advising the following approach right now:
If you’re planning a traditional Cuba vacation—beach resort, sightseeing, cultural experiences—we recommend postponing your trip until the situation stabilizes, likely after May 1, 2026, when Canadian airlines plan to resume service and the jet fuel situation should be resolved.
Why we suggest waiting:
This isn’t permanent. Cuba will recover from this crisis as it has from previous challenges. But right now, a traditional vacation experience will involve more complications and uncertainties than usual.
Hotel in Habana Vieja in Cuba
If your primary motivation is to support the Cuban people during this difficult period—and we deeply respect this intention—there is a way to travel that makes a meaningful difference.
Instead of all-inclusive resorts, consider this approach:
Stay in Casas Particulares (Private Homes)
Use Private Transportation
Eat at Paladares (Private Restaurants)
Shop at Local Markets
Havana farmers market
Important Context for Solidarity Travel: This type of trip won’t be a traditional “vacation.” You’ll be visiting a country in crisis, experiencing some of the same challenges ordinary Cubans face. Power outages, limited transportation, and supply shortages will be part of your experience. But your presence and spending can provide meaningful support to families who desperately need it.
If you choose this path, go with eyes wide open, flexibility, patience, and a spirit of solidarity rather than tourism.
Your airline should contact you directly. If they haven’t:
Most airlines are offering full refunds or flexible rebooking options.
Check your airline’s current status:
If you haven’t purchased travel insurance yet, do so now with coverage including:
Review your policy carefully—some insurers may now exclude Cuba-related claims due to known circumstances.
The official NOTAM notice indicates jet fuel unavailability through March 11, 2026. Canadian airlines have set May 1, 2026, as their tentative resumption date.
However, the underlying energy crisis is more complex. According to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s own admission in late January, the country has regressed to conditions similar to the Special Period of the 1990s, and there’s no immediate solution.
Realistic expectations:
We’ll be monitoring the situation closely and updating our guidance as conditions change.
At Marysol Travel, Cuba has always held a special place in our offerings. We’ve witnessed the island’s resilience through various challenges over the years. This current crisis is severe, but it’s not permanent.
We’re here to help you:
Cuba’s culture, music, history, architecture, and above all its people remain as compelling as ever. The current difficulties don’t diminish what makes Cuba special—they simply mean that right now isn’t the optimal time for most travelers to visit.
When the situation stabilizes, we’ll be ready to help you experience the Cuba we know and love.
If you need to travel now and were planning Cuba, consider these alternatives that offer different but equally enriching Caribbean experiences:
We can help you explore these options and create an itinerary that matches what you were seeking in Cuba.
The situation in Cuba is evolving daily. We recommend:
Government Travel Advisories:
Frequently Asked Questions: Cuba Travel February 2026
Q: Are flights to Cuba cancelled? A: All Canadian airlines (Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, Sunwing) have suspended Cuba service until May 1, 2026. Airlines from USA, Mexico, Spain, France, Panama, and Russia continue operating with adjustments like technical fuel stops.
Q: Why can’t planes refuel in Cuba? A: Cuba announced on February 9, 2026, that Jet A-1 aviation fuel is unavailable at all nine international airports from February 10 through at least March 11, 2026, due to disrupted oil supply chains.
Q: Are Cuba hotels closing? A: At least 8 hotels in major tourist destinations have temporarily closed due to the energy crisis. Guests are being relocated to other properties, often higher-standard resorts with better generator capacity.
Q: Should I cancel my Cuba trip? A: If you’re traveling from Canada, your airline has already cancelled your flight. For travelers from other countries, we recommend postponing until conditions stabilize (likely after May 1, 2026) unless you’re specifically traveling for solidarity purposes.
Q: Can I get a refund for my cancelled Cuba trip? A: Canadian airlines are offering automatic refunds or flexible rebooking options. Check your specific airline’s policy and contact them directly. Travel insurance may also cover cancellations.
Q: When will Cuba flights resume? A: Canadian airlines plan to resume service on or after May 1, 2026. The jet fuel shortage is officially scheduled to last until March 11, 2026, but the broader energy crisis timeline is uncertain.
Q: How can I support Cuban people during this crisis? A: Stay in casas particulares (private homes), use private transportation, eat at paladares (private restaurants), and shop at local markets. This ensures your money goes directly to Cuban families rather than state entities.
Cuba is an extraordinary destination that has weathered many storms throughout its history. The current jet fuel and energy crisis creates real challenges for travelers, but it’s a temporary situation.
For now, we recommend most travelers postpone their Cuban adventures until conditions improve. For those driven by solidarity and willing to accept a non-traditional travel experience, there are ways to visit that directly support Cuban families.
Whatever you decide, approach it with complete information, realistic expectations, and flexibility.
Cuba will be there when you’re ready. And when conditions normalize, we’ll be honored to help you discover why this remarkable island continues to capture travelers’ hearts.
Have questions about your Cuba travel plans or need help exploring alternatives? Contact Marysol Travel. We’re here to provide honest guidance and create travel experiences that match your goals and current realities.
Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Next Update: We’ll monitor the situation and publish updates as significant developments occur.