Sunwing Vacations has announced an extension and expansion of its operational suspension in Cuba due to the ongoing disruption in oil supplies. The company, encompassing Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec, has canceled operations in Cuba from June 20 to Oct. 9. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, originally scheduled for the summer, have also been halted and will resume on Oct. 10, according to a statement by Sunwing to CBC News.
Services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Largo, and Cienfuegos are set to recommence on Oct. 25. Sunwing Vacations Group, a subsidiary of WestJet Group, is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Affected customers will receive alternative options, with vacation destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay still available.
In February, Canadian airlines suspended Cuba flights due to fuel shortages at Cuban airports. WestJet had previously announced the winding down of winter operations to Cuba, with plans to resume services on April 26. The disruption in oil supply to Cuba was a result of U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leading to further restrictions on Cuba’s access to fuel.
The oil crisis has had severe repercussions on the daily lives of local Cubans, causing sporadic blackouts and surging prices for essential goods.