Russia Halts Cuba Flights Amid Fuel Shortage Pressure

Clear Facts

• Russia will suspend flights to Cuba due to difficulties refueling aircraft on the island.
• Repatriation flights will return Russian tourists home before service stops.
• The U.S. imposed new measures restricting oil supplies to Cuba under President Trump.

Russian airlines Rossiya and Nordwind are suspending flights to Cuba after encountering trouble sourcing fuel for their planes.

In the coming days, Rossiya will operate outbound flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow to transport Russian tourists back home before flights fully stop.

The airlines will halt their Cuba operations until fuel supplies are restored, a decision Russia’s aviation authority called being “in the interests of passengers.”

The Transport Ministry and Russia’s aviation authorities are holding discussions with Cuban officials and are seeking alternative ways to restart flights.

Two weeks ago, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency regarding Cuba and introduced new measures to further limit the island’s access to oil.

In his Jan. 29 executive order, Trump stated Cuba poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security.

He authorized new tariffs on goods from any country providing oil to Cuba and described this policy as “zero tolerance” toward the Cuban government.

The FAA posted an alert on Feb. 10 for nine Cuban airports, warning there is no available Jet A-1 fuel, an advisory that remains active through March 11.

Airports affected include Havana, Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Manzanillo.

Russia’s move highlights how American pressure and new policy initiatives are impacting international travel and Cuba’s economic stability.

Stay informed about how these policies could affect American interests and global travel by following trustworthy news updates.

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