Cuba Jet Fuel Shortage Disrupts Flights Until October 1

Cuba’s ten international airports have no jet fuel for airlines until at least Thursday, October 1, 2026, under aviation notices that run to 04:00 UTC that day. Flights are still operating to Havana and other airports, but airlines cannot refuel there, so they must carry extra fuel from their departure airport, add a refueling stop elsewhere, or cancel. More than eleven airlines have suspended or cut Cuba flights this year.

If you are booked to Cuba this autumn, check your flight status in the days before departure and confirm whether your airline plans a fuel stop, which can add time to the trip. Havana’s airport says it is operating normally, but the fuel shortage has run in repeated notices since February, and there is no sign yet of what replaces the current notice after October 1.

If your Cuba plans change and you end up in Miami instead, our Little Havana food guide covers where to find Cuban food on the mainland.

Ten Cuban Airports Without Jet Fuel

CiberCuba reported on September 17 that the current notices run from August 31 to 04:00 UTC on October 1, 2026, and cover José Martí in Havana, Juan Gualberto Gómez in Varadero, Jaime González in Cienfuegos, Abel Santamaría in Santa Clara, Ignacio Agramonte in Camagüey, Jardines del Rey in Cayo Coco, Frank País in Holguín, Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba, Sierra Maestra in Manzanillo and Vilo Acuña in Cayo Largo.

Infobae reported on September 16 that the Havana notice declares Jet A-1 not available through the same date, and that airlines flying to the Cuban capital cannot count on normal refueling. It said carriers may load extra fuel at their origin or make technical stops in other countries. Havana has also had runway maintenance this month, including a short overnight closure on September 21 and 22.

Havana’s airport operator said on September 18 that recent reports had caused uncertainty among passengers and that the airport was operating normally, according to Cuba Headlines. The fuel shortage is linked to disrupted oil supplies from Venezuela and tighter US sanctions, and the same outlet said it has led to more than 1,700 cancelled flights.

Which Airlines Have Cut Cuba Flights

CiberCuba reported that Air Canada, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Rossiya, Nordwind, WestJet and Air France have suspended or reduced flights to Cuba, and that Iberia does not plan to return to Havana before June 2027. It said more than 1,700 flights were cancelled in April alone.

From the United States, Aviacionline reported on August 31 that Delta has asked the Department of Transportation to suspend all seven weekly Atlanta to Havana flights and seven of its 14 weekly Miami to Havana flights from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, leaving one daily Miami flight. Delta cited weak demand and Cuba’s economic outlook. Aviacionline said American, JetBlue and Southwest have also sought or received waivers on Cuban routes.

What Travelers Should Do Now

Start by confirming your flight is still scheduled, then check the timing. A refueling stop can add an hour or more, which matters if you have a hotel transfer, a tour or a connection on the way home. Airlines sometimes reduce the number of passengers or bags on a flight when they must carry extra fuel, so travel light and check in early.

For flights to or from the United States, US Department of Transportation rules entitle you to a refund if your airline cancels and you choose not to travel. Keep all messages from the airline. If you are flying with a Canadian or European airline, check its policy and your country’s passenger rights, and consider travel insurance that covers schedule changes.

Cuba’s tourism troubles are not new this year, as we reported in our story on power outages and flight cancellations on the island, and Canadian service has been cut back too, as covered in our WestJet Cuba service update.