Russia Suspends Flights to Cuba Amid Fuel Shortages Linked to U.S. Sanctions
MOSCOW — Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia, announced on February 12 that it will temporarily suspend flights to Cuba due to critical fuel shortages affecting Russian airlines operating on the island. The decision impacts Rossiya, part of the Aeroflot Group, and Nordwind Airlines, both of which have faced significant difficulties securing Jet A-1 aviation fuel at Cuban airports.
According to Rosaviatsia’s statement on Telegram, the airlines have been forced to adjust their flight schedules amid the ongoing refueling crisis. In the coming days, Rossiya will operate a series of outbound-only flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow to repatriate Russian tourists stranded in Cuba before halting service entirely. The agency emphasized that this suspension is a precautionary measure taken “in the interests of passengers” to avoid potential in-flight fuel shortages.
The fuel scarcity at Cuban airports has been linked to recent U.S. sanctions imposed under the Trump administration, which declared a national emergency concerning Cuba just weeks ago. These sanctions have disrupted the supply chains for aviation fuel, particularly Jet A-1, leaving nine Cuban airports unable to provide adequate refueling services. The U.S. Department of Transportation has not commented directly on the issue, but the sanctions are widely understood to have tightened restrictions on fuel shipments to the island.
Rosaviatsia and the Russian Transport Ministry have stated they are maintaining close communication with Cuban aviation authorities to explore alternative solutions for restoring two-way air service. However, no timeline has been provided for when regular flights might resume. The suspension marks a significant disruption in travel between Russia and Cuba, a route that has seen steady traffic due to tourism and bilateral ties.
This development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions affecting multiple sectors. The U.S. Department of State continues to enforce measures aimed at curbing Cuba’s access to strategic resources, including fuel, which has ripple effects on international airlines.
Rossiya Airlines, headquartered in Moscow and operating primarily out of Sheremetyevo International Airport, is a key player in Russia’s international air travel network. The airline’s decision to suspend flights underscores the severity of the fuel supply disruption. Nordwind Airlines, another major carrier servicing the Cuba route, has also had to revise its flight programs accordingly.
Travelers affected by the suspension are advised to monitor official airline communications and consult the Federal Aviation Administration and their respective embassies for updates. The situation remains fluid as Russian and Cuban authorities work to resolve the logistical challenges posed by the fuel shortage.
As the suspension takes effect, the broader implications for Russian-Cuban relations and international aviation remain uncertain, with economic sanctions continuing to shape the operational landscape for airlines and travelers alike.
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