WestJet cancels flights from London, Ont., to Cuba amid potential jet fuel shortage
CBC
WestJet has cancelled all flights to Cuba effective immediately, including those from London International Airport, after the Caribbean island's major airport warned it will run out of jet fuel.
It's part of a widespread service suspension from all of Canada's major airlines, with Air Transat announcing Monday it was joining Air Canada and WestJet in cancelling all flights. All three airlines said they had plans to bring travellers home to Canada.
"We do not have any further information at this time," said Scott McFadzean, president and CEO of London International. "Any impacted passengers should be contacting the airline directly for refund or rebooking. "
WestJet is the only airline that offered non-stop flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco from YXU. It merged with Sunwing Vacations last year, said McFadzean.
In an email to CBC News, WestJet said it would wind down winter operations to Cuba as of Feb. 9, with plans to resume service to the island on Apr. 26. In a later statement, it confirmed the decision would also include Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.
WestJet said it would also begin sending empty aircraft to Cuba starting Monday to ensure the safe return of guests currently vacationing there.
"All aircraft dispatched to Cuba will carry sufficient fuel to safely depart without reliance on local fuel availability," it said.
This comes days after Canada's federal government issued a travel advisory for Cuba, warning that an ongoing shortage of fuel could affect resorts and flights.
Cuba has historically relied on Venezuela to provide much of its jet fuel, as Reuters points out, but the Caribbean island country has not received any crude or refined products from its top ally since mid-December, when the U.S. moved to block the South American country's exports.
WestJet posted an advisory Sunday offering options for all flights to and from Cuba from Sunday to Feb. 26, 2026.
In a travel alert, Sunwing said customers currently in Cuba, scheduled to depart on or before Feb. 16, will return home on their scheduled departure date. Anyone scheduled to return home after Feb. 17 will be contacted to confirm their new dates.
Are you or someone you know affected by this situation and want to share your story? Did you have a trip planned, or are you in Cuba and have to return home? Reach out to the CBC London newsroom by emailing londonnewstips@cbc.ca.
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