Air Canada and WestJet work to fly travellers home from Cuba due to the unreliability of aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. Air Canada has stated in a news release that for remaining flights it will tanker in extra fuel and make stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey.

Air Canada had already said it would send planes south that were empty in order to pick up approximately 3,000 of their customers already in Cuba in order to get them home.

Air Canada further states it will monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba. The Caribbean country has been hit hard by the United States oil blockade of Venezuela.

The WestJet Group has suspended sales for service to Cuba and says it will leverage aircraft departing for Cuba to safely bring guests currently vacationing – home. The airline also says all flights will carry sufficient fuel to ensure a safe departure without relying on local fuel availability.

The company also made the decision to wind down its winter operations which includes WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Québec.