Sunwing Vacations has decided to extend its suspension of operations in Cuba due to the ongoing shortage of oil supply affecting the region. The suspension, which affects all Sunwing Vacations Group entities such as Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec, will be in effect from June 20 to Oct. 9.
Initially planned flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco for the summer season have been canceled and will resume on Oct. 10 as per a statement from Sunwing to CBC News. Services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Largo, and Cienfuegos are expected to restart on Oct. 25, with the company closely monitoring the situation for further updates.
Sunwing Vacations Group, a division of WestJet Group, will be in touch with affected customers to provide alternative options. Alternative vacation destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay remain available for travelers.
The suspension of flights to Cuba by major Canadian airlines began in February when Cuban airports faced a jet fuel shortage. WestJet had initially planned to resume services on April 26 but had to adjust its operations accordingly.
The oil supply issue in Cuba stems from U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier in the year, leading to disruptions in Cuba’s oil imports. Trump’s executive order imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba has further exacerbated the fuel crisis in the country.
The shortage of oil has had severe consequences on the daily lives of Cubans, with widespread blackouts and steep price hikes on essential goods being reported.