Cuban authorities have issued a warning to foreign airlines indicating that the country has run out of fuel, affecting aircraft that might land in the island nation. This notification about the fuel crisis was communicated on Sunday to airlines operating flights to Cuba, and it primarily threatens long-haul flights from Russia and Canada. Air Canada has already announced it will be halting its flights to Cuba as a direct result of this situation.

The fuel shortage has been attributed to ongoing U.S. sanctions, which have exacerbated an energy crisis in the politically isolated country. In reaction to the dwindling fuel supplies, emergency measures have been implemented over the weekend, including a four-day workweek for employees in state-owned enterprises. This is a significant development considering Cuba's reliance on foreign airlines for tourism and trade, critical sectors in its economy.

The situation is further complicated by threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned of punitive tariffs against countries supplying oil to Cuba and has specifically urged Mexico to cease oil exports to the island. The implications of these sanctions and the fuel crisis resonate not just within Cuba, but also affect international relations in the region, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Cuba's economy and supply chain issues that result from U.S. policies.