Air Transat has announced plans to repatriate thousands of Canadians from Cuba in the next few days, as Canadian authorities advise citizens to expedite their departure from the country. The disruption in flights from Canada to Cuba is due to a fuel shortage on the island, prompting major airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to reduce their flight operations and initiate repatriation efforts.
Following the travel advisory update from Ottawa recommending against non-essential travel to Cuba, Air Transat has outlined its repatriation strategy to return all customers to their original destinations by Tuesday. The company has already started sending revised itineraries to customers scheduled to return by Saturday and is confirming flights for those departing between Sunday and Tuesday.
Air Transat reported that over 6,500 customers were in Cuba initially, with 1,500 already returned or scheduled to fly out. The company emphasized that its flights are solely focused on repatriation, with limited exceptions for Cuban nationals returning to their point of origin in Cuba. Similarly, Air Canada has initiated flights to retrieve approximately 3,000 customers from Cuba, with ongoing efforts to bring more Canadians back.
WestJet has also taken measures to repatriate Canadian guests from Cuba, deploying flights with sufficient fuel to avoid refueling in Cuba. Adjustments to flight schedules have been made to streamline operations and ensure a swift return for customers. While specific numbers of customers remaining in Cuba were not disclosed, airlines are working towards repatriating all Canadians by early next week.
The fuel crisis in Cuba has been exacerbated by U.S. pressure on the country’s oil supply, with restrictions on nearby suppliers like Venezuela and Mexico. The U.S. government’s actions have had a significant impact on Cuba’s fuel availability, leading to rationing measures and other strategies to mitigate the effects of the fuel shortage. Cuban officials are facing challenges in finding reliable allies to support their fuel needs amid the ongoing crisis.
The fuel cutbacks are expected to further strain Cuba’s tourism industry, which has already been struggling due to the pandemic and decreased Canadian travel. The decline in tourism, especially during peak seasons, is anticipated to have wide-reaching consequences on the country’s economy. Analysts suggest that the tourism slowdown will have a cascading effect on various sectors in Cuba, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing crisis.
