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Belarus announced the indefinite suspension of flights to Cuba due to fuel supply problems facing the island amid its current energy crisis, a measure that directly impacts travelers who planned to visit the Caribbean country in the coming weeks, reported Martí Noticias.
The warning was issued by the Embassy of Belarus in Cuba and disseminated by the state agency BelTA, which specified that operations will be suspended until further notice as long as the limitations on fuel supply for aircraft continue.
However, Belarusian authorities assured that the return of citizens already in Cuban territory is guaranteed through special flights organized with the support of Russian airlines.
Return via Moscow
According to the official statement, Belarusian tourists currently in Cuba will be able to return via flights to Moscow, from where they must complete their journey to Belarus using regular commercial connections or land transportation.
In case of unforeseen situations, the Embassy urged its citizens to contact the Consular Department in Havana.
To facilitate the evacuation, Rossiya Airlines organized special flights from Varadero to Moscow on February 12, 14, 17, 19, and 21, as well as one departure from Havana on February 16.
For its part, Nordwind Airlines announced return flights from Varadero on February 12, 14, and 18, as well as a flight operation from Cayo Coco scheduled for February 17.
The companies will inform passengers directly about dates and schedules using the information provided in the reservations, although no additional departures have been confirmed so far.
Impact on Russian tourism and the Cuban tourist sector
The situation of Belarusian travelers adds to the complications faced by thousands of Russian tourists, one of the main groups of visitors to Cuba in recent years.
The suspension of new departures to the island has led to cancellations, rescheduling, and logistical adjustments in hotels and tour operators, while airlines prioritize the staggered return of passengers based on fuel availability.
Energy crisis strikes tourism
Flight cancellations are occurring against a backdrop of increasing energy deterioration in Cuba, where fuel shortages and instability in the electrical system are impacting key sectors of the economy.
Tourism, one of the main financial drivers of the country, is beginning to feel the impact of these operational limitations. The cancellation of flights from source markets like Russia and Belarus adds additional pressure to the already complex situation of air transportation on the island.
Belarusian authorities reiterated that those planning to travel must postpone their trips until conditions normalize, while they continue to coordinate the orderly return of citizens remaining in Cuba.
Russia evacuates its tourists in Cuba
While thousands of Cubans remain trapped on the island with no real options to emigrate or reunite with their families, several Russian airlines have activated a special operation to evacuate about 4,000 tourists from the country before completely suspending their flights to Cuba.
The companies Rossiya, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, and Nordwind began this week a series of special flights to ensure the return of Russian citizens who still remain in destinations such as Varadero and Havana, following the final cancellation of routes starting February 24, according to a report by Aviacionline.
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