Air Canada cancels all flights to Cuba as US oil blockade cuts off fuel access

Air Canada Cancels Cuba Flights Amid US Oil Blockade Crisis

Air Canada has grounded all flights to Cuba, becoming the latest airline to be affected by the US oil blockade that is crippling fuel supplies on the island. The Canadian carrier announced it would begin repatriating 3,000 customers as authorities in Cuba confirmed a severe shortage of aviation fuel.

The crisis has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry, with Canada being one of Cuba's largest sources of foreign exchange. Cuba's beaches have long been a popular destination for Canadian tourists seeking winter sun, but this year's holidaymakers may find their trips severely disrupted.

Other airlines serving Cuba, including those from Russia, China, Turkey, France and Spain, have also been impacted by the crisis. While some carriers, like Aeroflot, plan to continue flying, others have already started making contingency plans.

The US oil blockade, which has been in place since Donald Trump's administration took office, has sparked widespread condemnation from countries around the world. Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum lashed out at Washington's policy, describing it as "very unjust".

As the situation on the ground continues to worsen, Cuba's government is struggling to cope with the crisis. Gas stations are closed, and cars are scarce due to a shortage of fuel. Cubans have been forced to wait in long queues using online apps to access limited supplies.

The impact on tourists is already being felt, with many stranded in their hotels while others face disruption to their travel plans. "We're more concerned about the people here," said one Canadian tourist, who was transferring to another hotel due to a fuel shortage. "People are very upset because all the workers here just pretty much lost their job and their livelihood."

The crisis is the first obvious effect of the US oil blockade, which has been tightening its grip on Cuba in recent months. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how long flights will remain suspended, and what impact this will have on tourism and the economy.

I'm not surprised that Air Canada cancelled those flights, oil supply crisis is a major issue right now . Cuba's economy heavily relies on foreign exchange from countries like Canada, so it's only fair that we're feeling the pinch too . But 3,000 stranded travelers? That's just terrible news . What's even worse is that Cubans are having to wait in long queues for fuel, can you imagine? It's heartbreaking . US oil blockade might be intended to hurt Cuba, but it's ultimately hurting innocent people on the ground .

I feel bad for those Canadian tourists stuck in hotels while they wait for the fuel shortage to get sorted out . Cuba's got some amazing beaches and culture, I've been there with friends last year and it was so much fun! But seriously, this oil blockade is a big deal for anyone involved in tourism or business with Cuba...it's like, you can't even get around the issue of fuel, right?

OMG, this is wild ! Air Canada just cancelled all their flights to Cuba... like, can you imagine? Those Canadian tourists were counting down the days till their winter sun getaway . Now, they're stuck or have to transfer hotels because of fuel shortages . And it's not just Cubans who are affected, this whole tourism industry is going down . I heard Mexico's president just called out the US for being super unfair . This oil blockade thingy has got everyone in a twist . When will flights resume? Will there be economic fallout? So many questions

just wondering why canada has such a strong connection with cuba? like, i get that canada's all about the winter sun and stuff, but 3k ppl stranded is no joke . hope they figure out a way to lift the blockade or something... feels bad for the cubans who are struggling with this

Ugh man I'm literally so frustrated for all these poor Cubans who are getting screwed by the US blockade I mean can you even imagine having to stand in line for hours just to get gas for your car? It's like something out of a movie, right? The thought of workers losing their jobs and livelihoods because of some outdated policy is just heartbreaking . And now our friends from Canada are being affected too, forced to change hotels because they can't even get fuel . It's just one big mess, and I don't know how much more this poor country can take . The US needs to rethink its policies ASAP, like, seriously how long is it going to take for them to realize the impact of their actions?

this is just another example of how the us is screwing over other countries with their blockade... cuba's already struggling and now they're just going to make things worse by taking away their main source of income... it's all about control, you know? air canada should really think twice before doing something like this, especially considering the impact on innocent tourists

.. this US oil blockade thingy is getting outta hand . I mean, Cuba's got enough problems without this kinda stress. Those Cubans just wanna enjoy their beautiful beaches & sunshine, but now they're stuck in a mess due to the US's actions. It's like, can't we all just get along & let people travel freely?

I remember when I was younger, my grandparents used to take me to Cuba every summer. We'd stay at this amazing all-inclusive resort and just have the best time. Now, it sounds like that's not gonna happen for a lot of people this year .

It's also hit home with some of our Canadian tourists who were looking forward to a winter getaway. I feel bad for them – they're stuck in hotels or having their travel plans ruined due to no fault of their own . The US oil blockade might be meant to put pressure on Cuba, but it's really just affecting innocent people who are trying to have some fun in the sun .

Let's hope this situation gets sorted out soon and things go back to normal .

Ugh, I'm so bummed about this Air Canada cancelling their flights to Cuba? That's just a huge bummer for Canadians who were counting on a winter getaway to the beach . And it's not like they're even getting any compensation or anything... just stuck in limbo.

And can you believe the US oil blockade is still going strong? It's like, come on guys! Cuba needs that fuel to survive and now people are losing their livelihoods? Not cool. I mean, Mexico's president calling out the US for being "very unjust" is a good starting point, but we need more than just words right now .

I'm all about nostalgia, and I remember when air travel was so much more relaxed back in the day... before security protocols became super strict, of course . It's crazy to think that even with all the changes, we're still facing problems like this because of politics . Anyway, let's hope Cuba gets its fuel supply back on track soon and people can get their lives (and vacations) back to normal .

omg this is so sad for all those cubans who are struggling to get fuel their lives are being totally disrupted because of this oil blockade it's not just the tourists who are affected either, but also the people on the ground who are losing their jobs and livelihoods i feel like air canada should've been more proactive in planning for contingencies instead they're just canceling flights willy-nilly which is causing even more chaos can you imagine having to wait in long queues for hours just to get some gas? that's just not fair

OMG, can u believe Air Canada just cancelled all their flights to Cuba? The US oil blockade is having a huge impact on the island, with Cuba struggling to get fuel in due to closed gas stations & cars being super scarce. It's like, what a disaster for tourists! Many Canadians are stuck in hotels or having major issues with travel plans, and I feel so bad for those Cubans who've lost their jobs. The US policy is just not cool, especially when Mexico's president is calling it out as "very unjust". I hope they can figure out a way to get flights back up in the air soon, but it's gonna be a tough road ahead for Cuba & tourism.