Air Transat has announced plans to repatriate numerous Canadians from Cuba soon, as Ottawa advises individuals not to prolong their stay in the country. Flights from Canada to Cuba have been reduced abruptly due to a fuel shortage issue, prompting airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to adjust their flight schedules and focus on bringing back their customers.
In response to the situation, Air Transat has outlined a repatriation plan aiming to return all customers to their original destinations by Tuesday. The company has already facilitated the return of a significant number of customers, with only limited exceptions for specific cases, like Cuban nationals returning to their point of origin in Cuba.
Similarly, Air Canada and WestJet have initiated efforts to retrieve their stranded customers from Cuba. WestJet is utilizing empty aircraft to transport vacationing Canadians back home, ensuring that the return process is efficient and safe. Meanwhile, the U.S. pressure on Cuba’s fuel supply, impacting nearby suppliers like Venezuela and Mexico, has further complicated the situation.
The ongoing fuel shortage in Cuba has also affected its tourism industry, significantly impacting the country’s economy. With the once-thriving tourism sector now facing challenges, experts anticipate broader repercussions on Cuba’s overall economy. Despite the difficulties, efforts are underway to alleviate the crisis, with Mexico providing humanitarian aid to help mitigate the challenging circumstances in Cuba.