WestJet, Sunwing Suspend All Flights to Cuba

WestJet Airlines and the Sunwing Vacations Group have officially announced that all flights and vacation operations to Cuba will be suspended indefinitely
.
The sweeping suspension affects multiple branches of the travel group, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec
. Operations to the popular Caribbean destination were initially paused in February due to a severe energy crisis, and the companies had previously extended this pause in April with hopes of resuming flights by October 10
. Friday’s announcement, however, brings an indefinite halt to those plans
.
The underlying cause of the travel disruption is tied to a worsening economic and energy crisis on the island. U.S. President Donald Trump initiated an energy blockade that choked off fuel shipments to Cuba following the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January
. The resulting lack of fuel has triggered an economic collapse across the nation, resulting in severe blackouts and widespread food shortages
.
In a public statement, Sunwing recognized that the indefinite suspension will be disappointing for both guests and travel advisors, noting the “strong connection many Canadians have with Cuba and its people”
.
“Cuba has long been a cherished destination for our guests, and we are mindful of the challenges currently facing local communities, tourism workers, and industry partners who rely on the sector,” the statement read
. The travel group added that it remains hopeful for the country’s long-term recovery and will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with partners on the ground
.
Customers who currently have bookings for Cuba will be contacted directly by the vacation providers
. Affected travelers will be offered the choice of a full refund or the option to rebook their vacation to an alternative destination