Cuban authorities have warned that domestic airports will no longer offer refueling services for long-distance flights after the U.S. blocked access to fuel sources in Venezuela and Mexico.
On 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported that Cuban aviation officials warned airlines they no longer have sufficient jet fuel supplies to refuel planes on the island. This marks the latest step in Cuba's energy conservation efforts following U.S. cuts to the country's fuel supply access.
The Cuban government issued a notice to airlines and pilots on Sunday night, warning that all nine airports across the island, including Havana's José Martí International Airport, will not provide fuel services from Tuesday, 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7, until 11 Mar 2026 GMT+7.
Cuba's latest move follows pressure from the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, which has heavily influenced Latin America and completely cut Cuba's main fuel supply routes from Venezuela and Mexico.
At the end of January, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on any goods imported from countries that continue to sell or supply oil to Cuba, intensifying Cuba's energy crisis further.
Although Cuba's latest energy rationing does not affect short-haul regional flights, it poses a significant challenge for long-distance routes from countries like Russia and Canada, which are vital pillars of Cuba's tourism economy.
On Monday, Air Canada announced it suspended flights to Cuba, while other airlines warned of delays and the need to stop over in the Dominican Republic before continuing to Havana.
A pilot added that while fuel supply issues have occurred before, an official announcement of this level is unusual even for Cuba, which is accustomed to ongoing crises.
The pilot also said that previous fuel cutbacks of this nature happened over 10 years ago, when flights bound for Europe had to refuel in Nassau, Bahamas.
Currently, regional airlines may avoid problems by carrying extra reserve fuel, while others might refuel in Cancun, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic.
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Source:nbcnews