On 11/2, Rossiya Airlines announced its plans: "To evacuate passengers currently in Cuba, excluding Cuban nationals, we will operate flights FV6928 from Varadero to Moscow on 12, 14, 17, 19, and 21/2, along with FV6850 from Havana to Moscow on 16/2." Rossiya Airlines, part of the Aeroflot group, is one of Russia's largest and oldest airlines.

Nordwind Airlines also decided to operate only evacuation flights for passengers departing Cuba before suspending its regular operations. The Russian Tourism Council estimates that approximately 4,000 Russian tourists are in Cuba, many of whom are state employees. Russian authorities announced a suspension of all tourism packages to Cuba for the foreseeable future.

Some Russians in Cuba have reported fuel shortages and cuts to public transportation, noting they are being relocated to "lower-tier" hotels with more stable electricity supply. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by visitors and residents on the island.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on 9/2 that the situation in Cuba "is quite serious," with both sides discussing "feasible ways to resolve these issues, or at least provide all possible assistance." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed Moscow's solidarity with Havana, expressing readiness to offer necessary support alongside like-minded partners.

The Russian Embassy in Cuba announced on 10/2 that Moscow expects to provide oil and petroleum products to Havana as humanitarian aid in the near future. This commitment highlights Russia's intent to alleviate the ongoing crisis.

A Rossiya Airlines aircraft lands at Pulkovo International Airport, St. Petersburg, in 2023. Photo: Reuters

Cuba had previously issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), stating that "aviation fuel A1 is unavailable" and this shortage would impact all international airports in the country. Jet fuel will not be sold commercially at 9 Cuban airports, including Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, from 10/2, with the situation expected to last until at least 11/3.

The aviation fuel shortage poses a significant challenge for long-haul routes, particularly from key tourism markets like Russia and Canada, which are vital to Cuba's tourism sector. This scarcity threatens to further disrupt the island's already struggling economy.

Most of Cuba's jet fuel is imported from Venezuela, but supplies became scarce from mid-12/2025, following the US blockade of Venezuelan waters. Cuba also relies on imported oil for its thermal power plants. Last year, fuel shortages contributed to widespread power outages across the island, affecting daily life and economic activity.

The US administration announced on 29/1 that it would impose additional tariffs on goods from countries directly or indirectly supplying oil to Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized the US tariff move, calling it a "cruel act of aggression" against the Cuban nation and its people.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on 9/2 that Mexico would halt fuel export orders to Cuba due to tariff threats. However, she affirmed increased support in other areas, including two naval ships delivering 800 tons of humanitarian aid to the island nation. She stated that Mexico is taking necessary diplomatic steps to resume oil shipments to Cuba, demonstrating a commitment to supporting its Caribbean neighbor despite external pressures.

Thanh Danh (According to RIA Novosti, Reuters, Guardian)