Cuba's Fuel Crisis Grounds Flights, Threatens Collapse

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 5:12 GMT by dpa international
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Cuba's Deepening Crisis: Fuel Shortages Ground Flights, Threaten Economic Collapse

Havana, Cuba - Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - What began as a concerning fuel shortage in Cuba has spiraled into a full-blown crisis, grinding air travel to a near halt and threatening the very foundation of the island nation's fragile economy. The situation, first reported with significant flight disruptions in late 2025, has dramatically worsened, impacting not only tourism - a vital lifeline for Cuba - but also essential services like healthcare, transportation, and agriculture.

Cubana, the national airline, has drastically reduced its flight schedule, with reports indicating cancellations exceeding 60% across all domestic routes. International carriers, including American Airlines, Air Canada, and several European operators, have followed suit, implementing significant cuts and, in some cases, suspending service entirely. The impact on travelers is substantial, leaving thousands stranded or facing lengthy delays. Social media is flooded with accounts of disrupted travel plans and escalating frustration.

"The situation is far more critical than initially reported," explains Dr. Elena Vargas, a leading economist at the University of Havana. "We're not simply looking at flight cancellations anymore. The lack of fuel is impacting the distribution of food, medicine, and other essential goods. Farmers are unable to operate machinery, hospitals are struggling to power generators, and public transportation has become severely limited."

The roots of the crisis are multifaceted. Cuba's decades-long reliance on subsidized fuel from Venezuela has eroded significantly with Venezuela's own economic decline. While Cuba has sought alternative suppliers, the ongoing U.S. trade embargo severely restricts access to international credit and complicates financial transactions. The embargo, despite some limited easing under previous administrations, continues to pose a significant obstacle to securing reliable fuel sources. The recent strengthening of certain embargo provisions, citing human rights concerns, has exacerbated the problem.

Adding to the complexity, Cuba's aging infrastructure is struggling to handle the logistical challenges of importing fuel. Port congestion, a lack of modern tankers, and insufficient storage capacity all contribute to bottlenecks. The island's only deep-water port, Mariel, is operating well below capacity, plagued by bureaucratic delays and equipment failures.

Ricardo Torres, an economist based in Miami, highlights the severity of the economic impact. "Tourism accounts for a substantial portion of Cuba's foreign currency earnings. With hotels reporting cancellations rates exceeding 70% and new bookings virtually frozen, the country is facing a critical shortage of hard currency. This will inevitably lead to further economic contraction and increased hardship for the Cuban people." He predicts a potential drop in GDP of over 15% in the coming year if the situation does not improve.

The Cuban government has implemented limited rationing of fuel for essential services, but this has done little to alleviate the widespread shortages. Desperate Cubans are reportedly queuing for hours - sometimes days - at gas stations, only to find supplies exhausted. A thriving black market has emerged, with fuel being sold at exorbitant prices.

There are tentative signs of potential relief. Recent reports suggest Cuba is exploring increased fuel supplies from Russia, though the logistics of such a deal remain complex and dependent on navigating international sanctions. Discussions are also underway with several Caribbean nations regarding potential fuel swaps, but these are still in the preliminary stages. However, analysts warn that these measures are unlikely to provide a short-term solution.

The long-term prognosis for Cuba's fuel crisis remains bleak. Without significant policy changes, including a re-evaluation of the U.S. embargo and substantial investment in infrastructure, the island nation faces a prolonged period of economic hardship and instability. The situation underscores the vulnerability of small island nations to external economic shocks and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.