Russia has announced plans to evacuate its tourists currently in Cuba amid a shortage of aviation fuel, according to the aviation regulator Rosaviatsia. The evacuation will commence with Rossiya Airlines operating a series of cargo-return flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow, specifically for the purpose of bringing back Russian tourists. Following these operations, all scheduled flights to Cuba will be temporarily suspended until the fuel situation improves.

The decision affects several airlines, including those in the Aeroflot group, and is indicative of the ongoing logistical challenges facing air travel between Russia and Cuba. The emergency measures will begin implementation on Thursday, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The fuel shortage has broader implications for travel safety and tourism, illustrating the vulnerability of international operations to local resource availability.

Moreover, this decision comes in the broader context of strained relations with the United States, which has labeled Cuba as a "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security. This political backdrop may influence future interactions between these countries regarding tourism and trade, especially in light of past sanctions and economic restrictions affecting Cuba's oil imports. The evacuation and suspension of flights reflect both immediate logistical concerns and long-term geopolitical tensions in the region.