UPDATE: Russia has initiated an urgent evacuation of its citizens from Cuba, where a severe jet fuel crisis has left international airports without fuel. This critical situation has prompted Russian authorities to dispatch empty planes to repatriate approximately 4,000 Russian tourists currently stranded on the island.
Moscow’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, confirmed on February 7, 2024, that two major airlines, Rossiya and Nordwind, are facilitating the evacuation due to the ongoing fuel shortage. Cuban authorities announced earlier this week that they will lack jet fuel at international airports for an entire month, leading to this rapid response from Moscow.
Rossiya Airlines, owned by Russian aviation giant Aeroflot, has altered its flight schedule to prioritize the return of its citizens. The airline stated, “Starting February 12, a number of one-way return flights will operate from Havana and Varadero to Moscow to accommodate Russian tourists currently in Cuba.” Nordwind Airlines has also announced it will conduct only repatriation flights from popular resort destinations including Varadero, Holguin, and Cayo Coco.
The crisis stems from Cuba’s heavy reliance on Venezuelan oil, which has dwindled following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3. This geopolitical turmoil has left Cuba scrambling for resources, compounding the challenges faced by tourists on the island.
In addition to the Russian evacuation, major Canadian airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have also suspended flights to Cuba, opting to send empty aircraft to retrieve passengers. The situation raises urgent concerns for the thousands of tourists, as many flights to and from Cuba are now grounded.
Rossiya Airlines revealed that it is organizing at least six one-way flights from Cuban airports to Moscow and plans to suspend all operations to the island by February 24. Both airlines are providing refunds to affected travelers, and Rosaviatsia is actively exploring options to resume reciprocal flights between the two nations.
The implications of this crisis extend beyond tourism. Cuba has been a longstanding ally of Russia, serving as a bastion of Soviet influence in Latin America. As Russia faces increasing isolation due to sanctions stemming from its conflict in Ukraine, it has sought to bolster economic ties with Cuba. Recent reports suggest that the Kremlin has recruited over 20,000 Cuban citizens as mercenaries to support its military efforts in Ukraine.
The urgency of the situation is further amplified by international reactions. China’s foreign ministry has condemned the actions that deprive the Cuban people of essential resources, pledging ongoing support for the island nation.
This developing story highlights the interconnectedness of global politics and the human impact of international crises. For Russians in Cuba, the clock is ticking as they prepare for their return home amid this unfolding emergency.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves, and share this urgent news with others who need to be informed about the evacuation efforts and the ongoing jet fuel crisis in Cuba.