Sunwing Vacations has announced an extension of its suspension of operations in Cuba due to the ongoing disruption in oil supplies to the popular tourist destination. All operations under Sunwing Vacations Group, which encompasses Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec, in Cuba from June 20 to Oct. 9 have been canceled. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, initially scheduled for the summer season, have been halted and are expected to resume on Oct. 10, according to a statement from Sunwing to CBC News.
Additionally, services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Largo, and Cienfuegos are set to recommence on Oct. 25. The company assured that it will keep a close watch on developments and provide updates as necessary. Sunwing Vacations Group, a subsidiary of WestJet Group, will be reaching out to affected customers with alternative options. Alternative vacation destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay are still available for travelers.
The disruption in flights to Cuba began in February when the island’s airports faced a shortage of jet fuel, leading major Canadian airlines to suspend operations. WestJet had initially planned to resume service on April 26 but had to reconsider its plans due to the ongoing fuel supply issues caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Venezuela, which impacted Cuba’s oil supply.
The oil crisis in Cuba has had a significant impact on the daily lives of locals, with reports of countrywide blackouts and steep price increases for essential food items.