Sunwing Vacations Group has decided to halt its operations in Cuba indefinitely.
This decision follows the previous announcement made by the group — Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec — in April, stating the cancellation of all services to Cuba from June 20 to Oct. 9.
The statement from Sunwing acknowledged the potential disappointment for guests and travel advisors, considering the strong bond many Canadians have with Cuba and its people.
Although Sunwing did not specifically attribute the indefinite suspension to the ongoing fuel shortage in Cuba, it emphasized the challenges faced by locals.
“Cuba has always been a beloved destination for our guests, and we are sensitive to the current difficulties experienced by local communities, tourism workers, and industry partners dependent on the sector.”
Cubans have been experiencing power outages since the initiation of a U.S.-imposed oil blockade three months ago. CBC’s Jorge Barrera investigates the impact on daily life and the outlook for the future.
Major Canadian airlines initially halted flights to Cuba in February due to warnings from Cuban airports about depleting jet fuel supplies. The cessation was a result of the U.S. blocking oil shipments to Cuba following the political situation with Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, causing a severe shortage of aviation fuel and electricity supply on the island.
The energy minister of Cuba stated last month that the nation had completely exhausted its diesel and oil reserves.
Additionally, AirTransat confirmed to CBC News that its Cuba services will remain suspended until the end of October, with no current availability of packages to the country.
Sunwing will reach out to customers who have booked trips to Cuba with various options, including changing destinations or receiving full refunds.
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