Sunwing Vacations indefinitely cancels all operations to Cuba

Sunwing Vacations Group has indefinitely suspended service to Cuba amid the island nation's fuel crisis.

Photo: Getty Images / Lukas Wunderlich

Abby Hughes (new window) · CBC News

Sunwing Vacations Group is suspending its Cuba operations indefinitely.

The announcement comes after the group — Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and WestJet Vacations Québec — announced in April it was cancelling all service to Cuba (new window) from June 20 through to Oct. 9.

We recognize this news may be disappointing for guests and travel advisors, particularly given the strong connection many Canadians have with Cuba and its people, the Sunwing statement read in part.

Sunwing did not cite ongoing fuel shortage in Cuba as the reason for the indefinite suspension, but referenced the hardship locals are facing.

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.

WATCH | Why some Cubans see a brighter future beyond oil blockade

Cubans have been living through power outages since the start of a U.S.-imposed oil blockade three months ago. For The National, CBC’s Jorge Barrera goes to the island to gauge how it’s changed daily life and how they view the future.

Canada's major airlines initially suspended flights to Cuba in February when airports on the island warned they were running out of jet fuel. The U.S. capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro dried up shipments of oil to Cuba, effectively cutting off the island nation's supply of aviation gas and fuel for its electrical grid.

The country's energy minister said last month (new window) that the island nation had completely run out of diesel and oil.

AirTransat also told CBC News this week that its Cuba service remains suspended until the end of October, and packages to the nation are not currently available for sale.

Guests with existing trips to Cuba booked through Sunwing will be contacted with options, the company said, including rebooking to a different destination or taking a full refund.