Sunwing Vacations has decided to extend and expand its suspension of operations in Cuba due to the ongoing disruptions in oil supplies to the popular tourist destination. The suspension affects all services by Sunwing Vacations Group, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec in Cuba from June 20 to Oct. 9.
Initially scheduled summer flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco have been canceled as well. Sunwing announced that services to these destinations will only resume on Oct. 10. Additionally, operations to Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Largo, and Cienfuegos will recommence on Oct. 25.
The company assured customers that they will receive updates on the situation as it evolves and that alternative options will be provided to affected travelers. Trips to other vacation spots like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay are still available for bookings.
The suspension of flights to Cuba started in February when the island’s airports faced a shortage of jet fuel. This situation arose after U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which disrupted Cuba’s oil supply chain. Trump’s executive order imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba exacerbated the fuel crisis, affecting the daily lives of local residents with countrywide blackouts and steep price hikes for essential goods.