Russia has launched an evacuation of its citizens from Cuba following a severe jet fuel shortage that has disrupted airline operations across the island. Russia’s civil aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, said on Wednesday that Rossiya Airlines and Nordwind Airlines would operate outbound-only return flights from Havana, Varadero, Holguín, and Cayo Coco to Moscow to repatriate Russian tourists currently stranded in Cuba.
Rosaviatsia added that, after completing these evacuation flights, the airlines would temporarily suspend all regular services to Cuba due to fuel shortages. Authorities cited difficulties in refueling aircraft at Cuban airports, making normal flight operations impossible.
Approximately 4,000–5,000 Russian tourists are estimated to be affected by the crisis. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has advised citizens not to travel to Cuba until the situation stabilizes, and tour operators have been instructed to suspend the sale of Cuban holiday packages.
The fuel shortage is part of a broader energy crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by U.S. policies targeting Venezuelan oil shipments, which historically supplied the island. Under recent measures, the U.S. has blocked key oil deliveries and imposed restrictions on third-party suppliers, leading to a critical jet fuel deficit that threatens both domestic and international flights.
Cuba has informed airlines that jet fuel will not be available at major airports until at least mid-March, forcing carriers to cancel or reroute flights. International airlines, including Air Canada, have suspended services to Havana due to the fuel shortage.
Russian authorities, including the embassy in Havana, are coordinating with Cuban aviation officials and Aeroflot to ensure the safe return of citizens. Moscow has also hinted at plans to provide humanitarian shipments of fuel and petroleum products to Cuba, although details remain limited.
The crisis is affecting more than aviation. Cuba’s broader energy shortages have disrupted transportation, tourism, and basic services, contributing to economic strain and deepening hardship for local residents. Officials warn the situation could worsen if international energy supplies remain blocked.