The Canadian airline Air Canada announced on Monday the temporary suspension of flights to Cuba due to a shortage of aviation fuel caused by the U.S. oil embargo against the communist-run island, LETA reported citing DPA.
In the coming days, the airline will only send empty planes to Cuba to repatriate about 3,000 customers according to the schedule of regular flights.
Canadians make up the majority of tourists visiting Cuba.
"Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate date for the resumption of normal flights to Cuba," the airline stated.
Cuban authorities had previously informed international airlines that refueling in Cuba would no longer be possible starting Tuesday due to the U.S. oil embargo, media reported citing pilots and airline representatives.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also warned of a potential fuel shortage at Havana airport.
Other airlines have taken precautions without completely halting flights. For instance, the Spanish airline Air Europa plans to refuel in the Dominican Republic, reported the Spanish magazine El Pais.
In recent weeks, Washington has intensified pressure on Havana's authorities. Since December, Cuba has not been receiving oil from Venezuela, as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of tankers leaving or heading to Venezuela.
Later, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, and Mexico suspended such supplies.
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