Many Canadians currently in Cuba are in a precarious situation as they await flights back home amidst a worsening energy crisis caused by a U.S. oil blockade. The Cuban government has issued a warning to international airlines stating that aviation fuel supply would be cut off, further complicating the travel plans of Canadians and stranding them on the island. Major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat, have suspended their services to Cuba, leaving many travellers in uncertainty regarding their return to Canada.

The decision to cancel flights comes after advisories from Canadian government authorities about the unreliable fuel supply at Cuban airports. WestJet and other airlines have acknowledged that the suspension of flights will impact not only their operational schedules but also the holiday plans of many customers. This situation highlights the broader implications of the U.S. energy blockade against Cuba, which has contributed to significant shortages of essential supplies, including fuel, adversely affecting the mobility of both residents and visitors to the island.

Efforts to send aid to Cuba are also being hampered due to the blockade and the resulting fuel crisis, indicating a multifaceted humanitarian issue. International organizations and supporters are finding it increasingly difficult to deliver essential supplies, exacerbating the struggles faced by the Cuban population amid the ongoing sanctions. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between international policies and their human impact, particularly on nations like Cuba, which are heavily reliant on external assistance and resources for survival.