By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The energy crisis in Cuba has reached a critical point, impacting civil aviation as confirmed by an official aeronautical notice from José Martí International Airport in Havana. This notice explicitly states a lack of Jet A-1 fuel, essential for commercial aircraft, and is active for at least a full month. Consequently, airlines face increased costs and potential flight cancellations due to the inability to refuel domestically, jeopardizing crucial international connections. This situation highlights a broader logistical collapse and structural crisis within Cuba, exacerbated by disrupted external supplies and U.S. sanctions, further isolating the nation.
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The energy crisis in Cuba has escalated to a point where it’s now directly impacting civil aviation, with a stark warning issued by the Cuban authorities. An official aeronautical notice, known as a NOTAM, originating from José Martí International Airport in Havana, confirms a critical shortage of Jet A-1 fuel, the standard aviation fuel for commercial aircraft. This notice, identified as A0356/26, explicitly states “JET A-1 FUEL NOT AVBL,” meaning no Jet A-1 fuel is available. This situation became effective on February 10, 2026, and is expected to last for a significant period, potentially a full month, at Cuba’s busiest airport.
These official notifications are crucial for alerting pilots, airlines, and air operators to essential operational conditions. In this instance, the complete absence of fuel means that airplanes cannot refuel in Havana. This presents an extremely serious predicament for an international airport that handles the vast majority of Cuba’s air traffic, throwing a wrench into plans for both tourism and vital cargo transport. The implications for the Cuban economy, heavily reliant on tourism for foreign currency, are immense.
The question naturally arises: if Cuba anticipated such a severe fuel cutoff, why were passenger flights continuing until the brink of this crisis? It raises concerns about resource allocation and the timing of emergency measures. One might ponder why fuel wasn’t conserved for more critical uses, such as essential services, as soon as the potential for this “strangulation” became apparent. The fact that travel providers are still advertising packages to Cuba for March and April suggests that the full gravity of the situation might not have been communicated or acted upon as swiftly as one might expect.
The intertwined relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, previously a significant source of support, has also been disrupted. With Venezuela facing its own economic challenges, its ability to prop up Cuba’s fuel needs has diminished significantly. Similarly, any recent cutoffs from Russia would further exacerbate Cuba’s energy predicament. For years, Canadian and European tourists have been a vital lifeline for Cuba, bringing in much-needed revenue. The current situation threatens to disrupt this flow, impacting not only the tourism industry but also the broader Cuban economy, which has historically relied on external support.
The notion of providing aid, perhaps through an exchange of services, such as sending healthcare workers to other nations in return for fuel and technical assistance, is a humanitarian consideration that comes to mind. The complex geopolitical landscape, including past and present U.S. sanctions, plays a significant role in Cuba’s economic struggles. While the idea of international cooperation and mutually beneficial deals is appealing, the existing political climate presents substantial hurdles. The effectiveness of such agreements would likely hinge on the willingness of other nations to bypass U.S. sanctions, a move that could have its own economic repercussions.
It’s important to clarify that Jet A-1 fuel is a specialized product, distinct from gasoline or diesel, and is exclusively for aircraft. This shortage isn’t about internal Cuban transportation but rather the ability of international flights, primarily carrying tourists and business travelers, to operate in and out of the country. For many Canadian and European travelers, Cuba is a popular winter vacation destination, generating substantial foreign currency that directly benefits the Cuban government and its elites.
The inability for aircraft to refuel in Havana poses significant logistical challenges. While many flights from closer locations like Toronto might carry enough fuel for a round trip, European flights, in particular, may find it impossible to complete their journey without refueling in Cuba. This would necessitate rerouting or adding costly mid-journey stops, potentially making these routes uneconomical and impacting tourism numbers. Furthermore, cargo flights, essential for bringing in supplies and goods, will also be severely affected, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding crisis.
The reliance on tourism for foreign currency is a critical aspect of Cuba’s economy. Resorts and vacation packages generate the necessary foreign exchange to trade on the international market. Air traffic infrastructure is therefore fundamental to sustaining this revenue stream. The current fuel shortage signals that Cuba may have reached a breaking point, with limited options beyond potentially capitulating to external pressures. This situation underscores the enduring principle that nations, like individuals, often face difficult choices when resources are scarce.
The warning to airlines before a complete cutoff is a pragmatic step, allowing them to make necessary adjustments. While the article suggests Cuba might be completely out of fuel, it’s more likely that this is a deliberate measure to conserve what little they have and signal the severity of the situation to international partners. Historically, Cuba has relied on support from larger powers, from the Soviet Union to Venezuela, to sustain its economy. The current disruptions in these relationships have amplified the nation’s vulnerabilities.
The influence of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding sanctions and pressure on other nations to limit trade with Cuba, is a recurring theme in discussions about the island’s economic woes. The argument is made that if Cuba were free to engage in unfettered trade, its economic situation might be less dire, even with internal governance challenges. The role of specific political figures and their long-standing desires to see the current Cuban regime fall are also cited as contributing factors to the current pressures.
While acknowledging that the U.S. government is not obligated to trade with Cuba, some perspectives question the ethical implications of policies that can lead to hardship for the Cuban people. The term “war crime” is used, though its applicability in this context is debated, as no active war is being fought. The core of the argument, however, is that economic policies can have profound humanitarian consequences. The idea that Cuba’s internal policies have also contributed to its economic struggles is also a valid point, leading to a complex interplay of internal and external factors.
The timing of the NOTAM’s activation on February 10, 2026, at 05:00 UTC, is crucial. This marks the point at which fuel becomes unavailable, and the prior announcement is standard practice to provide adequate notice. The fact that jet fuel can be used in diesel engines for a limited time, though not ideal due to its lack of lubricants, highlights the desperate measures that might be considered in a severe shortage. However, the primary concern remains the importation of jet fuel, with disruptions to crude oil supply and foreign currency being major impediments.
The dependence on tourism for foreign currency, which is then exchanged for Cuban pesos, is the engine of their economy. The current fuel crisis appears to be the culmination of a prolonged effort to maintain this vital sector. The potential for Mexico to stop selling fuel to Cuba under U.S. pressure underscores the extraterritorial reach of U.S. sanctions. The historical context of the U.S. embargo against Cuba for over 70 years is presented as a significant factor that necessitates Cuba seeking trade partners elsewhere. Ultimately, the situation in Cuba is a stark illustration of the interconnectedness of global politics, economics, and the daily lives of its citizens.