Montreal Traveller in Cuba Anxious as Fuel Crisis Grounds Canadian Flights
Félix Noiseux, a resident of Laval, Quebec, is hoping for a smooth journey home from Cuba as multiple Canadian airlines halt operations in response to a deepening energy crisis in the Caribbean nation. Noiseux, who is vacationing for the first time with his father on the island of Cayo Cruz, is scheduled to return to Montreal on Wednesday, but concerns about flight availability and fuel shortages loom large.
Energy Crisis Prompts Flight Suspensions
Air Canada was the first to announce on Monday that it would stop flights to Cuba, citing a severe scarcity of aviation fuel. WestJet and Air Transat quickly followed suit, with both companies indicating that service may not resume until late April. This situation has been exacerbated by geopolitical factors, as Cuban officials point to the Trump administration's decision to cut oil shipments from Venezuela as a key contributor to the fuel penury.
The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Cuba, urging travellers to exercise a "high degree of caution" due to worsening shortages of electricity, fuel, and basic necessities like food, water, and medicine. These shortages can affect even resort areas, making the situation unpredictable and potentially disrupting flights on short notice.
On-the-Ground Realities for Tourists
For Noiseux, the immediate impact has been mixed. While his hotel has not experienced food or electricity shortages, he noted a lack of basic supplies, such as Tylenol, which he shared with others. He also relayed reports from a friend in Holguin, a city in eastern Cuba, where gas station lines stretch for a kilometer.
Noiseux described a fluid and stressful environment, with changes occurring "every hour." After initially being told they would need to move accommodations in Cayo Cruz, he and his father were later informed they could stay at their original hotel. Despite these challenges, Noiseux has remained positive, actively keeping fellow vacationers—many of whom are Canadian—informed about updates.
Broader Implications for Cuba's Tourism Industry
The flight cancellations have cast a shadow over Cuba's tourism sector, which relies heavily on visitors from Canada. Ian McAskill, a Montreal-based travel agent with over 25 years of experience, praised the airlines for providing timely information but recommended that travellers consider alternative destinations like Mexico or the Dominican Republic until the situation stabilizes.
McAskill expressed sympathy for the Cuban people, calling them "great hosts" and lamenting the current circumstances. Noiseux echoed these sentiments, expressing concern for hotel employees who depend on tourism for their livelihoods. With some staff working triple shifts amid the uncertainty, he worries about their ability to support their families once tourists depart.
As the energy crisis continues, the fate of Cuba's tourism industry hangs in the balance, leaving travellers like Noiseux and industry professionals alike hoping for a swift resolution.
