WestJet Suspends Cuban Flights Indefinitely

WestJet passenger jets arec shown parked at departure gates at the Calgary International Airport on May 31, 2023. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

WestJet Airlines has announced its decision to indefinitely halt its operations in Cuba until “further notice.”

The company made the announcement in a recent release, saying the pause comes following a “review of the current operating environment in Cuba.”

The decision impacts all Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec flights to the popular beach destination, the company said. The shutdown includes both flights and vacation packages.

WestJet originally announced in April its plan to cut Cuban operations following a summer program review. At that time, the pause in services was set to begin June 20 and end on Oct. 9.

The airline’s latest announcement did not include a possible end date.

The Epoch Times contacted the Calgary-based airline to inquire about the timeframe for the suspension of its Cuban operations. A WestJet spokesperson did not provide comment but instead pointed to the company’s press release.

Sunwing Vacations, owned by WestJet since it purchased Sunwing Airlines in 2023, also announced the decision in a press release.

“We recognize this news may be disappointing for guests and travel advisors, particularly given the strong connection many Canadians have with Cuba and its people,” Sunwing said. “Our thoughts are with those affected, and we remain hopeful for the destination’s recovery and long-term success.”

The company said it will “continue to monitor developments closely,” collaborate with its partners, and deliver updates as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, all WestJet-owned airlines have announced plans to directly contact travellers who have existing bookings in order to organize an alternative destination or provide a refund.

Other Canadian airlines, such as Air Transat and Air Canada, have also halted flights to Cuba.

Cuba has faced prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages in recent months due to intensified U.S. sanctions, chronic problems in its electrical infrastructure, and dependence on imported fuel. The longstanding U.S. embargo on Cuba has been expanded in recent months through measures targeting oil shipments and sanctions on Cuban communist regime officials. Following the January 2026 removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba were disrupted, further aggravating the island’s energy crisis.

Ottawa continues to advise against all non-essential travel to the Caribbean island due to worsening shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine.

“These shortages can also affect services at resorts and disrupt ground transportation,” the government said in a June 5 advisory. “These conditions are likely to persist in the immediate term and could worsen further during the upcoming hurricane season.”

Operation Cuts

WestJet’s Cuba announcement is not the first time it has scaled back operations. The airline announced in April its plan to cut back on flights due to the rising costs of aviation fuel since the onset of the war in Iran.

WestJet said it was planning capacity reductions of approximately 1 percent in April, 3 percent in May, and nearly 6 percent in June. The airline did not announce any route cuts at the time, but said it would evaluate its summer schedule for cuts. The airline also said it would monitor the global jet fuel supply situation and remain in regular contact with its fuel suppliers.

WestJet also announced a temporary fuel surcharge of $60 in April on all bookings made through WestJet Rewards companion vouchers. The airline told its customers the temporary fuel surcharge would be lifted “once jet fuel prices return to normal levels.”

It also announced a fuel charge of $50 per person for Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.