HAVANA, Oct. 6, 2026 — The official notices declaring jet fuel unavailable at Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV) and nine other Cuban airports expired on October 1 and no replacement has been confirmed. Cuba Headlines reported on Monday that this does not mean fuel is back, and that airlines are still flying in with enough fuel to leave again.
What happened
- The notices: NOTAMs A3054 to A3063/26 stated that Jet A-1 fuel was not available. They took effect on August 31, 2026 and expired at 04:00 UTC on October 1, 2026.
- Since then: Cuba Headlines, drawing on CiberCuba, reported on October 4 that it could not verify whether new restrictions had been issued. Cuban authorities have not confirmed that supply is normal.
- On October 5: the outlet reported that the expiry “does not confirm a resolved supply situation”. It names Cuba’s air navigation company, ECNA, as the authority to watch.
- Date fuel is confirmed available again: TBA.
Airports covered by the expired notices
| Airport | City |
|---|---|
| José Martí | Havana |
| Juan Gualberto Gómez | Varadero |
| Jaime González | Cienfuegos |
| Abel Santamaría | Santa Clara |
| Ignacio Agramonte | Camagüey |
| Jardines del Rey | Cayo Coco |
| Frank País | Holguín |
| Antonio Maceo | Santiago de Cuba |
| Sierra Maestra | Manzanillo |
| Vilo Acuña | Cayo Largo |
Who is flying, as reported October 5
- Carrying round-trip fuel: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and Viva.
- Using a fuel stop elsewhere: Air Europa stops in Punta Cana on the way to Madrid, an arrangement reported to run until October 15, 2026. Copa Airlines and Wingo are also listed as still operating.
- Suspended: Iberia until mid-2027, Air Canada with no return date, plus Air France and Turkish Airlines.
This list comes from a single outlet. Check your own carrier’s schedule before relying on it.
What it means for non-revs
- Short flights from the US are the ones still running. The report says viability depends on distance, because the aircraft must carry fuel for both directions.
- Watch for weight limits. A flight carrying its return fuel can be weight-restricted, and standby travellers are the first left behind when it is. Check with the gate before counting on an open seat.
- Do not get stuck on the island. With several European and Canadian carriers out, there are fewer ways home if your flight is full or cancels. Have a second option listed, and money for a hotel.
- Allow for a fuel stop. Flights with a technical stop take longer, so onward connections need extra margin.
- Carry on. Bags are the first thing left behind on a weight-restricted flight.
Sources
- Cuba Headlines — “Flight Operations to Cuba Amid Fuel Crisis: Which Airlines Are Still Flying and Which Are Grounded” (October 5, 2026) — cubaheadlines.com
- Cuba Headlines — “Has Jet Fuel Supply Returned to Cuban Airports? Expiration of NOTAMs Leaves Ten Terminals in Limbo” (October 4, 2026) — cubaheadlines.com
- Cuba Headlines — “Cuban Airports Face Jet Fuel Shortage Until October 2026” (September 17, 2026) — cubaheadlines.com
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