Sunwing Vacations Group has decided to halt its Cuba operations without a set timeline. This decision follows the group’s earlier announcement in April, where Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec disclosed the cancellation of all services to Cuba from June 20 to Oct. 9. The company expressed understanding that this news might disappoint travelers and travel advisors, considering the significant bond many Canadians have with Cuba. Although Sunwing did not attribute the indefinite suspension to the ongoing fuel scarcity in Cuba, the statement acknowledged the challenges faced by locals.
Cuba has always been a beloved destination for Sunwing guests, with the company showing concern for the current struggles experienced by Cuban communities, tourism employees, and industry collaborators dependent on the tourism sector. Canada’s major airlines ceased flights to Cuba back in February when Cuban airports issued warnings about depleting jet fuel supplies. The disruption in oil shipments to Cuba resulting from the U.S.-imposed oil blockade on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has led to a severe shortage of aviation fuel and electricity supply on the island.
In a recent update, Cuba’s energy minister confirmed that the country had entirely exhausted its diesel and oil reserves. Additionally, AirTransat informed CBC News of the continued suspension of its Cuba services until the end of October, with no current availability of travel packages to the nation. Sunwing stated that customers with existing bookings to Cuba would receive communication regarding alternative options, such as rebooking to a different destination or obtaining a full refund.