Russia is set to temporarily halt flights to Cuba as airlines grapple with fuel supply issues on the island, according to aviation officials on Wednesday.
The Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia, Rosaviatsia, announced via Telegram that two airlines, Rossiya—operating under the Aeroflot Group—and Nordwind, are revising their flight schedules due to challenges in securing aircraft fuel in Cuba.
In the immediate future, Rossiya plans to conduct several outbound flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow, ensuring the safe return of Russian tourists before suspending their Cuba operations.
Once these repatriation flights conclude, the airline will pause its Cuba service until the fuel situation is resolved. The agency described this move as being “in the interests of passengers.”
Aeroflot and Rossiya aircraft are seen at Moscow-Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia on September 16, 2021. (Photo by Leonid Faerberg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Russian Transport Ministry and Rosaviatsia are in ongoing discussions with Cuban aviation authorities, seeking alternative solutions to resume regular two-way flight services.
The announcement comes two weeks after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over Cuba and authorized new measures aimed at choking off the island’s oil supplies.
A vehicle fills up at a gas station in Havana, Cuba, Jan. 28, 2026. (Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images)
In a Jan. 29 executive order, Trump said Cuba poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and empowered his administration to impose tariffs on goods from any country that “directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba.”
The order, which took effect Jan. 30, allows additional duties on imports from countries found to be supplying oil to Havana, part of what Trump described as a “zero tolerance” policy toward the Cuban government.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s website shows a Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, an official alert issued to pilots about hazards or operational disruptions, was posted Feb. 10 for nine Cuban airports warning that Jet A-1 fuel is not available.
Passengers carry their luggage at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba, July 2, 2025. (Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images)
The advisory covers Havana (MUHA), Varadero (MUVR), Cienfuegos (MUCF), Santa Clara (MUSC), Camagüey (MUCM), Cayo Coco (MUCC), Holguín (MUHG), Santiago de Cuba (MUCU) and Manzanillo (MUMZ), and remains in effect through March 11.
