Cuba Bans Airline Refueling Amid US Oil Pressure

Cuba's government announced on February 8 that foreign airlines can no longer refuel at any of the country's airports. The ban starts February 10 and lasts until March 11. It comes as the island runs low on aviation fuel after the US threatened tariffs on nations that send oil to Cuba.

Background

Cuba has faced fuel shortages for months. The main problem started when oil shipments from Venezuela stopped. That happened after a US operation removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power in early January. With its top supplier gone, Cuba turned to other countries like Mexico for help. But US President Donald Trump stepped in at the end of January. He called Cuba an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' to US security. Trump linked this to Cuba's ties with China, Russia, and Iran, plus issues like human rights and migration.

Trump then issued an order. It said the US would put tariffs on any country that gives oil to Cuba, directly or not. Countries backed away fast. Mexico, for one, cut back its shipments to avoid the tariffs. Cuba's fuel reserves dropped quickly. By February 8, officials said the country could run out by the end of February 9. They had no choice but to act.

The island's energy problems go deeper. Power blackouts hit many areas. Buses and trains cut back services. Everyday life got harder for people there. Tourism, a big part of the economy, took a hit too. In 2019, Cuba saw 4.6 million visitors. That fell to under 2.2 million in 2025. Fewer flights mean even fewer tourists now.

Key Details

The ban covers all nine international airports. That includes the busy José Martí International in Havana, the main hub. Others are Juan Gualberto Gómez in Varadero, Jaime González in Cienfuegos, Abel Santamaría in Santa Clara, Ignacio Agramonte in Camagüey, Jardines del Rey in Cayo Coco, Frank País in Holguín, Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba, and Sierra Maestra in Manzanillo.

Cuba sent out a formal notice called a NOTAM. It's Notice to Air Missions. The code is A0356/26. It says no Jet A-1 fuel—the standard for most planes—from February 10 at 5:00 UTC until March 11 at 5:00 UTC. Airlines got the word through pilots and air traffic control.

Airlines Affected

Carriers from several countries fly to Cuba often. US airlines like American Airlines run over 70 weekly flights from Miami to places like Havana and Holguín. Canadian airlines such as Air Canada serve the island too. From Europe, Iberia, Air Europa, and World2Fly fly from Madrid. Copa Airlines from Panama and Mexican carriers also come regularly.

No airline has said yet how it will handle this. Some might load extra fuel for the round trip. That works for shorter routes, like from Miami. It costs more fuel and raises ticket prices. But for long flights from Madrid—over 4,500 miles—it's not possible. Those planes may need to stop elsewhere to refuel, like in Canada or Mexico. Or they might cancel flights altogether.

On February 9, Iberia's flight from Madrid to Havana left on time. The ban starts the next day. American Airlines flights kept going too, at least for now.

"The country faces an imminent threat to the amount of fuel it has in reserve." – Cuban government statement, February 8

Cuba's own airline, Cubana, runs few flights. Its planes are old and grounded by years of sanctions. The country relies on foreign airlines to bring in tourists and money.

What This Means

Airlines face higher costs right away. Carrying extra fuel burns more and needs stronger planes. Delays or cancellations could follow. Cargo flights and business travel will suffer too. Fewer people means less money for hotels, shops, and guides.

Tourism hangs in the balance. Canada and Mexico send the most visitors despite the issues. US travelers increased under past rules, but sanctions limit them now. Blackouts make trips less appealing. Hotels without power? Roads without buses? It all adds up.

Cuba's economy feels the squeeze. Fuel shortages hit homes and factories. The government cut public transport to save fuel. People wait hours for buses that never come. Imports cost more without steady oil.

The ban lasts a month, but the problem might stick around. Allies like Venezuela can't help much. Others fear US tariffs. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla called the US moves 'blackmail.' He said they push a failed blockade policy.

Airlines watch closely. They hope for a quick fix, maybe shipments from new sources. Pilots plan routes with stops outside Cuba. Travelers should check flights before booking. Changes could come fast.

For now, skies over Cuba stay busy, but emptier. Planes arrive with just enough fuel to leave. The island's airports, once gateways to beaches and history, sit short on the one thing they need to keep going: fuel.