Imagine a country where the lights flicker, hospital services are rationed, and even airlines are grounding flights—all because of a tightening grip on its oil supply. This is the stark reality Cuba faces today, as the U.S. intensifies its efforts to isolate the island nation. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: Canada’s largest airline has suspended flights to Cuba due to a severe shortage of aviation fuel, leaving thousands of travelers stranded—at least temporarily. And this is the part most people miss: while some airlines are scrambling to reroute or refuel mid-journey, others are vowing to continue their services, albeit with significant logistical challenges.
Air Canada announced its suspension of flights to Cuba on Monday, though it pledged to operate ‘ferry flights’ to bring home approximately 3,000 customers still on the island. Meanwhile, airlines like Iberia, Air Europa, and American Airlines claim they’ll keep flying, though not without hurdles. For instance, flights from Madrid to Havana will now require a refueling stop in the Dominican Republic—a stark reminder of the ripple effects of this crisis. American Airlines, however, insists its aircraft can carry enough fuel for round trips, raising questions about the feasibility of such solutions.
But here’s where it gets controversial: The U.S. is actively pressuring Cuba’s regional neighbors to halt oil deliveries, a move that has deepened the island’s long-standing fuel crisis. Cuba recently warned airlines that jet fuel would be unavailable from February 10 to March 11, a dire situation that has forced Havana to ration not just fuel but also health, transport, and school services. Hospitals are limiting non-urgent surgeries, schools are cutting hours, and cultural events are being postponed—all part of a nationwide austerity plan.
Cuba’s tourism industry, a lifeline for its economy, is taking a hit too. In 2025, Canada sent over 754,000 visitors to Cuba, more than any other country. Now, with flights disrupted and services rationed, the island’s appeal to tourists is waning. Is this collateral damage or a calculated strategy? Critics argue that while U.S. sanctions are a major culprit, Cuba’s lack of infrastructure investment has also played a role. Cuban officials, however, point squarely at the U.S., with Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío expressing willingness for dialogue—but only if regime change is off the table.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered Cuba a way out: strike a deal, potentially involving the return of property confiscated from Cuban exiles after the 1959 revolution. Meanwhile, Mexico, Cuba’s second-largest oil supplier after Venezuela, is caught in the crossfire. President Claudia Sheinbaum has vowed to find a diplomatic solution to continue oil shipments without facing U.S. tariffs, calling the sanctions ‘very unfair’ and harmful to the Cuban people. ‘One may agree or disagree with the regime,’ she said, ‘but the people should never be harmed.’
Adding to the complexity, Venezuela’s oil supplies to Cuba have already been disrupted following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, making Mexico’s role even more critical. On Sunday, Mexico shipped over 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, with Sheinbaum promising more support. But is this enough to offset the crisis?
Russia, a longtime ally of Cuba, has called the situation ‘truly critical,’ with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing the U.S. of imposing a ‘chokehold’ on the island. Moscow is reportedly exploring ways to assist Cuba, though details remain unclear. As the crisis deepens, one question lingers: Are sanctions like these an effective tool for political change, or do they only punish ordinary citizens? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
