Sunwing Vacations has decided to extend and expand its suspension of operations in Cuba due to the ongoing lack of oil shipments to the popular tourist destination. The suspension affects all branches of the Sunwing Vacations Group, including Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec, with operations in Cuba canceled from June 20 to Oct. 9.
Initially scheduled flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco for the summer season have been halted as well, with plans to resume services on Oct. 10, as stated by Sunwing in a recent statement to CBC News. Additionally, services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Largo, and Cienfuegos will recommence on Oct. 25, with the company closely monitoring the situation for any updates.
Sunwing Vacations Group, a division of the WestJet Group, will communicate alternative options to affected customers. Trips to other vacation spots like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay are still being offered.
The suspension of flights to Cuba by major Canadian airlines began in February when Cuban airports alerted about the depleting jet fuel supply. WestJet had announced the temporary halt of winter operations to Cuba, with plans to resume services on April 26.
The oil supply disruption to Cuba was triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and subsequent actions to block oil sales to Cuba, including imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to the Cuban government. This situation has significantly affected daily life for Cubans, causing countrywide blackouts and a surge in prices for essential goods.
