Russian Airlines Suspend Flights To Cuba, Begin Evacuation Of Citizens, Over Fuel Crisis

Key Takeaways:

• Russian carriers Rossiya and Severny Veter have stopped flights to Cuba due to fuel shortages.
• Evacuation flights will repatriate Russian tourists and citizens.
• US-led sanctions and lost oil imports from Mexico and Venezuela have exacerbated Cuba’s crisis.
• Air Canada was an early international carrier to suspend service.
• Russia is exploring ways to provide assistance as the island’s energy woes worsen.

The Worsening Fuel Crisis

Cuba’s fuel shortage has intensified, prompting major disruptions to the country’s power grid and airport operations. The crisis stems from US-led sanctions and halted oil deliveries. According to The Guardian, the last known shipment arrived from Mexico in early January but was later cut off, reportedly under US pressure. Meanwhile, Venezuelan oil flows dried up after what the original report describes as a US operation in January resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Russian Airlines Halt Operations

In response, two major Russian airlines—Rossiya (part of the Aeroflot group) and Severny Veter (Nordwind)—announced they were suspending all Cuba-bound flights. Russian authorities have, however, authorized outbound-only flights to evacuate tourists and citizens. Airline representatives say that “challenges with refueling in Cuba” necessitated the decision and forced them to alter routes in the region.

International Carriers Follow Suit

Russia is not alone in pulling service from Cuba. Air Canada was among the first to halt flights, even though Canada has not imposed sanctions on Cuba. With José Martí International Airport in Havana struggling to maintain enough fuel supplies, further interruptions are likely, as evidenced by rolling power outages in parts of the country.

Tourists Stranded amid Shock Cancellations

The crisis has led to abrupt last-minute flight cancellations. One viral social media post depicted dozens of Russian tourists disembarking in Moscow just before takeoff to Havana because “there was no fuel in Havana.” Another social media user referred to these displaced travelers as “a herd of Russian savages,” capturing the frustration and confusion unfolding among passengers trapped in limbo.

New Hurdles and Hope for Aid

Amid the rolling turbulence, the Kremlin has signaled a willingness to help. Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed significant “difficulties” on the US sanctions and said Russian officials are exploring ways to deliver humanitarian assistance. With dwindling supplies and no immediate replacements in sight, Cuba’s future remains precarious—making any form of external relief all the more critical for the island’s immediate needs.