Air Transat has announced plans to repatriate numerous Canadians from Cuba in the upcoming days, as Ottawa advises individuals not to prolong their stay in the country. This decision follows a recent decline in Canada-to-Cuba flights due to a fuel shortage issue disclosed by Cuban authorities.
In response, Ottawa has updated its travel advisory, urging against non-essential travel to Cuba and recommending against extending personal stays in the country. The fuel shortage situation has prompted Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to reduce flights to Cuba and initiate repatriation efforts for their customers.
Air Transat has unveiled its repatriation plan, aiming to bring back all customers to their respective points of origin by Tuesday. The company has communicated new itineraries to customers with scheduled returns by Saturday, while confirmations for flights between Sunday and Tuesday are also being sent out.
According to a spokesperson from Air Transat, more than 6,500 customers were in Cuba at the start of the repatriation initiative, with a significant number already returned or scheduled to return. The airline is solely using its planes for customer repatriation, with limited exceptions for Cuban nationals returning to their original departure point in Cuba.
On the other hand, Air Canada has initiated flights to retrieve approximately 3,000 customers from Cuba and continues its repatriation efforts. WestJet has also begun winding down flights to Cuba and is sending empty aircraft to bring back Canadian guests. The airline is ensuring its planes have sufficient fuel to avoid refueling in Cuba and is streamlining flight operations through Toronto.
Individual travelers like Carrie Davis and Jerry Kitt have shared mixed feelings about leaving Cuba in light of the circumstances. While some, like Kitt, are not rushing to cut short their vacations, others, including agriculture-focused tour leaders like Ron Berezan, are facing challenges with their return flights.
The fuel supply crisis in Cuba has been exacerbated by U.S. pressure on nearby suppliers like Venezuela and Mexico, leading to threats of sanctions against countries aiding Cuba with oil. Mexico recently sent humanitarian aid to Cuba, with promises of additional support upon the ships’ return.
These developments are set to impact Cuba’s tourism industry, which has already been struggling, affecting its once-thriving economy. Analysts predict far-reaching consequences on various sectors due to the throttling of tourism during what would typically be a peak season.
Overall, the situation in Cuba remains tense as efforts to repatriate stranded Canadians and alleviate the fuel crisis continue amid geopolitical pressures.
