- Flight Disruptions
- Cuba’s nine international airports to run out of Jet A‑1 fuel from 10 Feb 2026
Cuba’s nine international airports to run out of Jet A‑1 fuel from 10 Feb 2026
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 9 February 2026
9
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
9
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
What Happened
From 10 February 2026 at 05:00 UTC to 11 March 2026 at 05:00 UTC, Cuba’s nine international airports will have no Jet A‑1 fuel. Airlines will need to uplift extra fuel, add technical stops, or cancel services. Operations at Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco) face additional constraints due to limited services and faulty DME. More than 400 scheduled weekly flights, including those by American Airlines, WestJet, and Copa, are expected to face diversions or cancellations.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Cuba has announced that all nine of its international airports will be without Jet A‑1 aviation fuel from 10 February 2026 at 05:00 UTC until 11 March 2026 at 05:00 UTC. During this period, refueling services at the affected airports will not be available. Airlines operating to and from Cuba will need to plan alternative measures, such as carrying additional fuel, conducting technical stopovers in third countries, or canceling flights.
The airports named include Havana (José Martí International), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Manzanillo. At Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco), operational constraints are heightened by limited auxiliary services and malfunctioning DME navigation equipment.
Airlines are expected to adjust operations immediately once the fuel shortfall begins. The absence of a guaranteed Jet A‑1 supply is anticipated to disrupt more than 400 scheduled weekly flights. Among the operators referenced are American Airlines (73 weekly flights), WestJet (97), and Copa (29), which may need to reroute, add technical stops, or cancel selected services. The disruption covers commercial, charter, cargo, and executive aviation.
This fuel shortage period spans at least one month and affects airports critical to international tourism and connectivity. With refueling unavailable on the ground in Cuba, passengers should expect schedule changes, possible diversions via third countries for fuel, and potential cancellations while airlines replan their networks. The timeframe is set from 10 February 2026 at 05:00 UTC through 11 March 2026 at 05:00 UTC.
Travelers booked to or from any of the affected Cuban airports during these dates should monitor their flight status closely and follow airline guidance on rebooking options, altered routings, or revised departure times as carriers implement operational workarounds.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Future – confirmed disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Airlines affected
American Airlines, WestJet, Copa
Airports affected
Havana (José Martí International), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Manzanillo
Start date
2026-02-10
End date
2026-03-11
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
9 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
