Canadian tour operators indefinitely suspend Cuba tourism programs

Canada’s Sunwing Vacations Group, part of WestJet, announced the indefinite suspension of all its Cuba operations, affecting Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and WestJet Vacations Québec. The company said the decision follows a review of its Cuba program and current operating conditions, without specifying exact reasons. Existing bookings will be contacted for refunds or alternative travel options.

Following Sunwing, Air Transat also halted its Cuba program indefinitely, citing the “current geopolitical situation in Cuba” and ongoing uncertainty about tourism resumption. The move comes amid U.S. sanctions and an oil blockade that have pressured Canadian carriers, after Air Canada earlier suspended its flights to Cuba due to fuel supply instability. Both operators stressed the impact on Canadian travelers and promised to redeploy capacity elsewhere.

The suspensions affect a long‑standing Canadian tourism market to Cuba, which historically draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.