Foreign Office Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Cuba Amid Jet Fuel Crisis
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new and urgent travel warning for Cuba, directly impacting British holidaymakers and tourists planning visits to the popular Caribbean destination. This critical alert was published on Thursday, April 2, 2026, via the FCDO's official 'Warnings and insurance' webpage, detailing severe ongoing travel disruption.
The core of the warning states that Cuban authorities have confirmed all of the nation's international airports are currently without aviation fuel. This unprecedented shortage has led to significant operational changes, including the closure of Terminal 2 at Havana's José Martí International Airport. This terminal specifically handles flights to the United States and various charter services, with affected flights now being diverted to Terminal 3.
Major Airlines Suspend and Reduce Services
The fuel crisis has forced several major airlines to alter their schedules dramatically. All Canadian carriers, alongside Air France and LATAM, have completely suspended their flights to and from Cuba. Other airlines are implementing substantial reductions; Iberia and Air Europa are cutting the number of weekly flights operating between Havana and Madrid.
The FCDO explicitly warns that options for leaving Cuba could diminish further if the situation deteriorates. "The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning," the advisory notes, urging travellers to be prepared to change plans at short notice.
Advice for Travellers Currently in Cuba
For UK nationals currently in Cuba, the Foreign Office provides clear guidance:
- If considering departure, check directly with your airline or tour operator for the most current information.
- Ensure all travel documents remain valid and confirm you possess any necessary visas for onward travel.
- Continue to monitor reliable local media sources and follow all instructions from local authorities.
- Subscribe to FCDO email alerts for real-time updates and review official guidance on handling crises overseas.
This alert follows recent industry commentary highlighting broader supply concerns. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary recently indicated a risk of fuel supply disruptions in Europe from early May unless oil and gas trade normalises, potentially affecting 10 to 25 percent of supplies through May and June. In contrast, a source close to British Airways owner IAG stated the airline currently has a five to six-week buffer before any potential shortages might impact its operations, with no immediate concerns reported.
