Cuban authorities have notified international airlines that they will no longer be able to refuel their aircraft with kerosene at the José Martí International Airport in Havana for the next month, starting from February 10 to March 11. This decision arises in the context of Cuba facing a severe energy crisis, exacerbated by the cessation of oil supplies from Venezuela and increasing pressure from the United States, which has threatened additional tariffs on any country selling oil to the communist-ruled island.

The situation poses significant implications for airlines operating in and out of Cuba, including those from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. The temporary suspension of kerosene refueling at Cuba's primary airport will impact flight operations and could lead to significant disruptions in travel planning. Airlines must now adapt their strategies to cope with the fuel supply issues or potentially face flight cancellations.

Cuba's energy crisis has historical roots, having experienced similar struggles in the past, notably during the collapse of the Soviet Union. The island's economic dependency on external oil supplies, particularly from Venezuela, has highlighted vulnerabilities within its energy infrastructure and underscored the need for diversifying energy sources and fostering self-sufficiency amidst geopolitical pressures from the U.S. government.