Several Canadian airlines have temporarily suspended flights to Cuba due to ongoing fuel shortages and broader safety concerns on the island.
“It’s not only the jet fuel issue,” said Gerry Vanderhoek, Director of Commercial and Air Services at London International Airport. “They’re also concerned about public safety down there.
Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat have all paused service to Cuba until at least the end of March.
London sees up to two flights per week to Cuba. Vanderhoek estimates that approximately 14 outbound flights from London have been cancelled between now and the end of March.
This week alone, two outbound flights were cancelled.
However, airlines are still operating two inbound flights to bring Canadians back home who travelled to Cuba last week.
“With WestJet and Sunwing, it’s usually the same passengers who fly down and come back,” Vanderhoek explained. “So aircraft are going down empty and returning with Canadians. The priority right now is getting everyone out safely.”
Travellers with existing bookings are being offered full refunds or future travel credits, depending on the airline.
Airlines say they will reassess the situation later in the spring, with hopes of resuming service in April.
London Airport – XFM News
