Cuba aviation faces fuel shortages and limited flight connectivity

Air travel to Cuba in late 2026 is characterized by limited connectivity and significant operational challenges. According to programming from the Cuban Airport and Services Enterprise (ECASA), approximately 20 airlines are active, though most flights primarily land in Havana.

A major factor impacting the sector is a shortage of aviation fuel (Jet A-1) at Cuban airports, a situation reported to have persisted since February. This scarcity has forced several major carriers, including Iberia, Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, to suspend their services. Remaining airlines must often fly with full tanks for round trips or schedule technical stops for refueling.

Regional flight patterns show specific routes emerging, such as planned service from Fort Myers to Havana and Santa Clara starting in late November 2026. In Varadero, American Airlines and World Atlantic are scheduled to operate flights to Miami on specific days of the week. Current active airlines include American, Delta, and Southwest from the United States; Air Europa and Air China from Spain; and Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Copa, and Wingo from Latin America.