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Russia Grounds Cuba Air Routes as Fuel Crisis Leaves Thousands of Tourists Stranded
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Russian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba amid a fuel crisis that has left thousands of tourists stranded, Meduza reported on February 11, citing Russia’s aviation authority Rosaviatsia.
Airlines Rossiya and Nordwind said they would temporarily halt services because of difficulties refueling aircraft at Cuban airports.
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In the coming days, Rossiya, part of the Aeroflot group, is set to operate special repatriation flights from Havana and Varadero to bring Russian travelers back to Moscow. Tour operators estimate that at least 4,000 Russian tourists are currently in Cuba.
It was previously reported that Russia has been facing a growing issue of severe violations in its civil aviation sector, particularly concerning the widespread operation of aircraft with technical defects.
According to reports, from 2023 to 2025, over 480 aircraft had their operations suspended for various periods until identified issues were addressed. This represents nearly half of the entire fleet, which the Russia’s Ministry of Transport estimates at approximately 1,000 units.
Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has advised citizens to refrain from traveling to Cuba until the situation stabilizes, while tour operators have been asked to suspend sales of Cuba packages. Travelers who already purchased trips will be offered alternative destinations, rescheduling options, or refunds, according to Meduza, citing the Russian Union of Travel Industry.
Cuban authorities warned that from February 9 foreign airlines would no longer be able to refuel locally due to a worsening shortage. The crisis has been linked to renewed US pressure, including what Cuban officials described as an oil blockade imposed in late January and threats by US President Donald Trump to introduce additional tariffs on countries supplying fuel to the island, Meduza wrote.
Russian tourism to Cuba has declined over the past year, with 87,100 visitors recorded in 2025, down from 130,600 in 2024, Meduza reported.
Earlier, Ukraine had closed its embassy in Havana and downgraded diplomatic relations with Cuba, citing Havana’s inaction over the recruitment of Cuban citizens to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
According to reports, thousands of Cuban nationals have signed contracts to serve in Russia’s armed forces, with many directly involved in combat operations on Ukrainian soil.
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