Cuba: Fuel Crisis Grounds Flights, Halts Card Payments

Aviation Fuel Crisis Halts Flights

Cuba is experiencing a severe economic downturn, leading to critical shortages of aviation fuel across the island. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reported on 25 September 2026, with advice still current today, 28 September 2026, that Cuban authorities have announced a complete absence of aviation fuel at all international airports.

Consequently, only Terminal 3 at José Martí International Airport in Havana remains operational for flights. This situation has prompted several carriers, including all Canadian airlines, Air France, Iberia, World2Fly, and LATAM, to suspend their services to and from Cuba.

Other airlines are actively reviewing their flight schedules, indicating a potential for further reductions in travel options.

International Card Payments Rejected

Adding to the travel challenges, the Cuban Central Bank has declared that international payment cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are no longer accepted within Cuba. This significant policy change, also reported by the FCDO on 25 September 2026, means that travellers cannot withdraw cash from ATMs using foreign cards.

Visitors to Cuba are now advised to carry sufficient cash, preferably in US dollars or euros, to cover all anticipated expenses and potential emergencies throughout their stay. Cuban prepaid cards are available as an alternative payment method, but their accessibility and utility for international visitors may vary.

Widespread Service Disruptions

The ongoing economic difficulties extend beyond aviation and payment systems, resulting in widespread disruption to essential infrastructure and basic services across Cuba. Low fuel reserves have led to severe and sustained impacts on transport, medical facilities, communications, water supply, and street lighting.

Cuban authorities have implemented fuel rationing and scaled back public services, including healthcare, education, and tourism operations, in an effort to conserve critically limited energy supplies.

Travellers should also be aware of frequent protests, which, while mostly peaceful, can escalate, and an increase in opportunistic crime, though levels are still reported to be lower than in the UK.

Implications for Asian Travellers

For Asian travellers considering or planning a trip to Cuba, the current circumstances necessitate thorough preparation and vigilance. While direct flights from major Asian hubs to Cuba are not common, those connecting via European or American carriers will be directly affected by the flight suspensions and operational changes at Cuban airports.

Travellers from Asia must secure adequate cash reserves in US dollars or euros before departure, as international credit and debit cards will not function for transactions or ATM withdrawals in Cuba.

Furthermore, confirming the operational status of connecting flights and the specific entry requirements with airlines and tour operators is crucial to avoid unexpected disruptions upon arrival or during their stay.