Félix Noiseux clutches a quiet worry as his Cuban vacation nears its end. He’s enjoying a first-time trip to Cayo Cruz with his father, but the deepening energy crisis on the island casts a shadow over his Wednesday flight back to Montreal. His biggest fear isn’t turbulence, but whether the plane will even have enough fuel for the journey.
The situation is rapidly evolving, with Canadian airlines scrambling to adjust. Air Canada initiated the shift Monday, suspending flights due to the critical shortage of aviation fuel. WestJet and Air Transat quickly followed, both anticipating service disruptions extending into late April. The unfolding crisis has prompted a travel advisory from the Canadian government, urging travellers to exercise a “high degree of caution.”
The advisory paints a stark picture: worsening shortages of electricity, fuel, food, water, and medicine are impacting even resort areas. The unpredictable nature of the crisis means flights can be cancelled with little warning. While Noiseux hasn’t personally experienced widespread shortages at his hotel, he’s already shared his supply of Tylenol with those in need.
His friend, a seasonal resident of Holguin, described kilometer-long lines at gas stations, a chilling testament to the severity of the fuel scarcity. Noiseux himself experienced a brief scare when he and his father were told to prepare to relocate to different accommodations, only to be informed the next morning that their original hotel stay was secure.
Despite the constant flux – “things change every hour here,” he says – Noiseux maintains a positive outlook. He’s become a central source of information for fellow Canadian tourists, many of whom are older and visibly stressed by the cancellations. He diligently shares every update he receives, a small act of reassurance in a sea of uncertainty.
Travel industry veteran Ian McAskill, with over 25 years of experience, commends the airlines for their swift and transparent communication regarding the cancellations. He’s been able to proactively inform his clients, minimizing disruption and anxiety. However, he currently advises travellers considering all-inclusive vacations to explore alternatives like Mexico or the Dominican Republic until the Cuban situation stabilizes.
McAskill’s recommendation isn’t driven by profit, but by genuine concern. “The Cubans are great people,” he says, “great hosts, and I hate to see what’s happening there.” He hopes for a swift resolution, recognizing the warmth and hospitality that define the island nation.
Beyond the inconvenience for tourists, Noiseux is deeply troubled by the impact on the Cuban people. He worries about the hotel employees, many of whom are already working extended shifts, and the potential for job losses and economic hardship. The thought of leaving knowing they may struggle to provide for their families weighs heavily on him.
It’s a sobering realization that the end of his vacation is intertwined with the anxieties of those who depend on tourism for their livelihood. The beauty of Cuba is now tinged with a profound sense of empathy and a quiet hope for a brighter future for the island and its people.
