Air Canada has suspended its service to Cuba due to “ongoing shortage of aviation fuel” on the island.
“Over the following days, the airline will operate empty flights southbound to pick up approximately 3,000 customers already at destination and return them home,” said Air Canada.
The decision followed advisories issued by governments regarding aviation fuel supply availability at Cuban airports.
It is projected that as of today (February 10), aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island's airports.
Air Canada said it will tanker in extra fuel and make technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary.
“Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date,” said Air Canada.
The airline said its “immediate priority” it to return customers already in Cuba to Canada.
Air Canada operates on average 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba from Montreal and Toronto.
At present, seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the season. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are schedule to operate year-round but are currently suspended with a tentative restart, pending review, on May 1.