• Air Canada suspends flights to Cuba due to a severe aviation fuel shortage.
• Cuban authorities warn of widespread fuel unavailability at major airports.
• U.S. sanctions are further crippling Cuba's energy supplies and tourism sector.
• The airline plans to return approximately 3,000 customers back to Canada.
• Economic strain leads to public transport cuts and suspension of cultural events in Cuba.

Air Canada has announced the suspension of all flights to Cuba effective immediately due to ongoing aviation fuel shortages on the island. The airline stated that it will operate empty flights to bring back around 3,000 customers currently in Cuba, indicating the severity of the situation with jet fuel becoming commercially unavailable from February 10 at nine airports, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, according to Al Jazeera, Le Monde, and AA.

The fuel crisis results from intense U.S. economic sanctions, particularly under the Trump administration, which have severely limited Cuba's access to oil resources primarily from Venezuela and Mexico. An executive order issued by Trump threatens tariffs on any nation that sells oil to Cuba, effectively isolating the island from essential fuel supplies, reports SCMP and CBS News.

The impact of the fuel shortage extends beyond aviation; it threatens Cuba's tourism sector, which historically generated around $3 billion annually. Activities like the Havana International Book Fair have been suspended, and major reductions in public transport services are evident, leading to significant public unrest. "The situation is tough and will demand great sacrifice," stated Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by U.S. policies, according to SCMP, Le Monde, and CBS News.

Mexican officials have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of these sanctions and emphasized their commitment to provide aid and possibly resume oil shipments, while airlines have begun adjusting to the fuel supply crisis by planning refueling stops in third countries, such as the Dominican Republic or Mexico, as noted by AA and CBS News.