In a significant move impacted by a fuel shortage attributed to pressure from the United States, two of Russia's largest airlines, Rossiya and Nordwind, are suspending their flights to Cuba. The country's civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, announced that these airline adjustments are necessary due to challenges with refueling in Cuba. The Cuban government recently warned that there will be a jet fuel shortage for at least a month due to emergency measures being implemented to combat an ongoing energy crisis.

As part of the evacuation efforts, Aeroflot, which owns Rossiya, will send empty passenger planes into Cuba to bring Russian tourists back home. The airline is expected to operate flights from Havana and the resort city of Varadero. Similar measures are being taken by Nordwind, which plans to conduct evacuation flights to Holguin and Cayo Coco to assist Russian tourists stranded in the region.

This development highlights the interdependence of nations in terms of travel and logistics and also reflects the pressure that international relations can exert on everyday travel arrangements. The actions of the airlines and the Cuban government underline the challenges faced by countries dealing with the fallout from geopolitical tensions, particularly as they navigate energy crises that directly impact tourism and international travel.