Cuba Faces Deepening Energy Crisis as U.S. Blockade Disrupts Airline Refueling

Airlines warned of jet fuel shortages at Cuban airports, forcing route changes and disrupting tourism.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:39pm

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The Cuban government has warned airlines that there will not be enough jet fuel available for planes to refuel at nine airports across the island, including the main Havana airport, starting on Tuesday and continuing until March 11. This is the latest step in Cuba's efforts to ration energy as the Trump administration's policies have effectively cut off the country's access to its primary petroleum sources in Venezuela and Mexico. The fuel shortage is expected to disrupt long-haul international flights to Cuba, a critical part of the country's tourism industry, which has already been hit hard by the economic crisis.

Why it matters

The fuel shortage in Cuba is the result of the longstanding U.S. trade embargo and recent escalation of sanctions under the Trump administration, which have severely limited Cuba's access to oil and other energy resources. This is the latest blow to Cuba's economy, which relies heavily on tourism revenue. The disruption to air travel could further cripple the tourism industry, a vital source of income for the island nation.

The details

Cuban aviation officials published notices to airlines and pilots on Sunday, warning that jet fuel will not be available at nine airports, including the main Havana airport, from Tuesday through March 11. This move is part of Cuba's efforts to ration energy as the Trump administration's policies have cut off the country's access to petroleum from Venezuela and Mexico. The fuel shortage is expected to disrupt long-haul international flights to Cuba, which are a critical part of the country's tourism industry. Some airlines, like Air Canada, have already announced suspensions of flights to the island.

  • The fuel shortage notice will be in effect from Tuesday, February 11, 2026 through March 11, 2026.
  • The last time such widespread refueling cuts occurred in Cuba was more than a decade ago.

The players

Cuba

The Caribbean island nation that is facing a deepening energy crisis due to U.S. sanctions and the disruption of its access to petroleum resources.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration has escalated sanctions and trade restrictions against Cuba, contributing to the country's current energy crisis.

Air Canada

The Canadian airline that has announced it is suspending flights to Cuba due to the jet fuel shortage.

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What’s next

It remains unclear how long the notice of jet fuel shortages at Cuban airports will remain in effect. Cuban officials have not provided any public comments on the matter.

The takeaway

The fuel shortage in Cuba is the latest consequence of the longstanding U.S. trade embargo and the escalation of sanctions under the Trump administration, which have severely limited the country's access to critical energy resources. This disruption to air travel and the tourism industry could further cripple Cuba's economy, which is already in crisis.