As Cuba faces an impending aviation fuel shortage, the country risks losing vital air links with international airlines. This comes after an allied country, Nicaragua, has closed its borders to Cuban citizens without a visa, further restricting the movement of people in and out of Cuba.
The communist government in Havana has issued a warning to international airlines that they will not be able to refuel at José Martí International Airport for the next month. This decision comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country supplying oil to Cuba. As a result, A-1 aviation fuel will not be available at the airport from Tuesday until March 11, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Administration.
Cuba is served by airlines from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. In previous times of economic struggle, airlines have adjusted their schedules to allow for refueling in neighboring countries such as Mexico or the Dominican Republic. However, this may not be a viable option for all airlines, potentially leading to flight cancellations and disruptions.
Apart from the impact on tourism, which is a crucial source of hard currency for the Cuban government, the restriction on refueling also affects individuals who bring much-needed goods to the island. These goods, including food, medicine, and consumer products, are often brought in by travelers who act as couriers and load luggage for delivery on commercial flights.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the US cutting off fuel supplies to Cuba from its main ally, Venezuela, when it extradited socialist leader Nicolás Maduro to New York for trial on drug terrorism charges in early January. This has put additional strain on the already struggling Cuban economy.
In response, the Cuban government has expressed openness to negotiations with the US but maintains that its one-party system of government is not up for discussion. As a result of the economic crisis, the government has implemented crisis measures, including reducing public transport routes, shortening the work week, and moving some university classes online. Resorts have also been closed, and visitors are being concentrated in fewer hotels in hopes of maximizing foreign revenue during the high season.
To combat the energy crisis, the government is also accelerating plans to transition to wider use of solar energy. Cuba’s national power grid has experienced six complete collapses in the past year alone, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In a show of support, Mexico has sent two navy ships to Cuba with over 800 tons of humanitarian aid, including food and personal hygiene products. This gesture of solidarity has been welcomed by the Cuban government as they continue to navigate through this challenging time.