Related videos:
Cayman Airways warned that its weekly route between Grand Cayman and Havana could be temporarily canceled due to a fuel shortage on the island, a situation that could last at least until March 11.
In a statement dated February 10, 2026, the airline announced that a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by Cuban authorities indicates that Jet A-1 fuel will not be available at José Martí International Airport from February 10 to March 11. The restriction applies to all international airlines operating in Havana.
"The shortage of fuel for airplanes in Cuba could lead to disruptions in CAL flights to Havana," the company stated, acknowledging that this situation imposes "significant operational limitations" and leaves the route subject to "possible cancellation during the affected period, depending on operational viability and safety considerations."
Captain Dave Scott, Executive Vice President of Flight Operations and Director of Operations at Cayman Airways, was emphatic: "These are extraordinary circumstances that evolve daily and are beyond the airline's control. The availability of fuel is critical for our flight operations." He added that safety, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity are absolute priorities for the company.
But the problem is not limited solely to aviation fuel. The airline also expressed concern about the availability of fuel for ground support equipment and other essential airport services, as well as the ability to provide accommodation and assistance if an aircraft experiences delays or cannot take off as scheduled.
The fuel shortage in Cuba has already forced airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to suspend or reduce their operations to the island. Other European companies have opted to make technical stops in third countries to refuel. The lack of fuel is impacting all nine international airports in Cuba and completely disrupting the usual flight schedules.
According to the local media Cayman Compass, in the Cayman Islands, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The Governor's Office confirmed that it is overseeing the developments, although it does not currently anticipate "significant secondary impacts" on local air traffic. However, Cayman Airways acknowledged that it is considering a temporary suspension of its service to Havana.
At the center of this crisis is the collapse of the energy supply that Cuba received from Venezuela. Following the detention of Nicolás Maduro on January 3 in an operation authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington declared a national emergency and threatened to impose tariffs on countries that continue to export oil to Cuba.
Suppliers like Mexico halted shipments due to fears of sanctions, leaving the Island facing a critical fuel shortage that is already impacting transportation, public services, and now also aviation.
For passengers with tickets dated between February 10 and March 31, Cayman Airways has implemented a waiver of change fees, allowing date modifications without penalty under certain conditions. However, there will be no refunds to the original payment method; the amount can be applied as a credit in the Travel Bank. In the event of cancellation, the airline will directly contact the affected customers.
Filed under: