Since President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on Cuba in early January, following the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, the island appears to be becoming more isolated from the continent. On January 29, Trump threatened tariffs on countries that chose to sell oil to Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime. This blockade has exacerbated the fuel crisis in Cuba, prompting airlines to warn of potential indefinite suspensions of flights to the island. The Cuban government has indicated that airplane fuel will be unavailable from February 10 to March 11, signaling severe implications for air travel to Cuba.

Air Canada has been the first airline to confirm an indefinite suspension of its commercial flights to Cuba, announced on the night of February 9. This is particularly concerning given that Canada is one of the largest markets for tourism in Cuba, with over 754,000 visitors recorded in 2025, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information of Cuba. The suspension of flights from Air Canada, along with the looming fuel shortages, poses a significant threat to Cuba's tourism industry, which relies heavily on international visitors for economic stability.

The ongoing isolation resulting from Trump's policies and the fuel shortages threaten to impact more than just tourism; if airlines remain grounded, essential supplies and services will also be adversely affected. This situation highlights the challenge faced by Cuba in navigating foreign relations and sustaining its economy amid external pressures, especially as the country struggles with supply shortages and economic hardships. The repercussions of these airline suspensions could resonate well beyond February, requiring urgent government responses to mitigate the fallout and reassure both the Cuban populace and foreign investors.