Sunwing Vacations has decided to extend the suspension of its operations in Cuba due to the ongoing disruption in oil shipments to the popular tourist destination. The suspension now covers the period from June 20 to Oct. 9 for all entities under Sunwing Vacations Group, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec.
Initially planned flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco for the summer season have also been halted, with services expected to resume on Oct. 10, as per a statement from Sunwing to CBC News. Additionally, services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Largo, and Cienfuegos are set to restart on Oct. 25, with the company closely monitoring the situation for further updates.
Sunwing Vacations Group, a subsidiary of WestJet Group, is managing the vacation division of the conglomerate. Affected customers will be provided with alternative options, with trips to destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay still available for booking.
The suspension of flights to Cuba by major Canadian airlines began in February when Cuban airports faced a shortage of jet fuel. WestJet had previously announced the winding down of winter operations to Cuba, with plans to resume services on April 26.
The disruption in Cuba’s oil supply can be traced back to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, which effectively cut off Cuba’s access to oil. The subsequent executive order by Trump imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba has exacerbated the situation, hindering the nation’s fuel supply.
The oil crisis in Cuba has had a significant impact on the daily lives of locals, leading to occasional countrywide blackouts and escalating prices for essential groceries.
