Finance
Cuba warns airlines it will run out of jet fuel
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Quick Summary
Cuba warns airlines of a jet fuel shortage starting February 10 due to US sanctions, impacting international flights until March 11.
Cuba Alerts Airlines of Jet Fuel Shortage Starting February 10
Cuba's Jet Fuel Supply Crisis
HAVANA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Cuba warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available on the island beginning on Tuesday in the latest sign of fast-worsening conditions as the United States moves to cut off the communist-run nation's oil supply.
Impact on Airlines
The shortfall is set to last from February 10 through March 11, according to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) published late on Sunday, and comes just two days after top officials said air travel would not be impacted by a fuel rationing plan announced on Friday.
Historical Context
Cuba has historically relied on Venezuela to provide much of its jet fuel, but the Caribbean island nation has not received any crude or refined products from its top ally since mid-December, when the U.S. moved to block the South American nation's exports.
Current Situation
U.S. president Donald Trump has since vowed Cuba would receive no more oil from Venezuela and has threatened to slap tariffs on any nation sending fuel to Cuba, effectively cutting off the island's supply of aviation gas.
Such shortfalls are not new to Cuba and many airlines already have plans in place to deal with them.
A similar crisis last year, as well as others recently, have prompted many carriers to refuel in nearby third countries, including Panama, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Most airline flights into Havana appeared on time and on schedule on Monday morning.
An early morning COPA airlines flight to Panama departed on time Monday, and several American Airlines flights were slated to arrive later in the day, airport officials confirmed to Reuters.
None of the major carriers servicing Cuba have yet commented on the situation.
(Reporting by Dave SherwoodEditing by Nick Zieminski)
Key Takeaways
- •Cuba will run out of jet fuel starting February 10.
- •US sanctions have cut off Cuba's oil supply from Venezuela.
- •Airlines may need to refuel in nearby countries.
- •The shortage is expected to last until March 11.
- •Major airlines have not yet commented on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba warns airlines it will run out of jet fuel
1What is jet fuel?
Jet fuel is a specialized type of aviation fuel designed for use in aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines. It is crucial for commercial and military aviation operations.
2What is a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM)?
A Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) is a notification issued to pilots and airline operators about important information affecting flight operations, including changes in airport status or airspace restrictions.
