Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations indefinitely suspend Cuban operations

WestJet passenger jets are shown parked at departure gates at the Calgary International Airport. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations will indefinitely suspend operations in Cuba “until further notice.”

Sunwing Vacations Group, which includes Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec, announced it would cut Cuban operations temporarily back in April but said they would resume in October.

In a statement to CTV News, media representatives did not provide specifics as to why they extended the suspension but acknowledged its effects on tourists and Cubans who rely on the travel sector.

“We recognize this news may be disappointing for guests and travel advisors, particularly given the strong connection many Canadians have with Cuba and its people,” reads the statement.

“Cuba has long been a cherished destination for our guests, and we are mindful of the challenges currently facing local communities, tourism workers, and industry partners who rely on the sector,” it goes on to say. “Our thoughts are with those affected, and we remain hopeful for the destination’s recovery and long-term success.”

The airlines will reach out to travellers with existing bookings directly to arrange an alternative destination or refund.

People living on the Caribbean island have endured months of blackouts and fuel shortages caused by a U.S. oil embargo. Members of the local government say the blockade has also resulted in water shortages, supply problems, deficiencies in the health-care system and disruptions to daily life.

The oil embargo, an extension of the broader U.S. blockade on Cuba in place for decades, has made it far more difficult for the government to provide electricity and gasoline to its citizens.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told Canadians in Cuba to return home in February. Opposition politicians in Ottawa have called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to send aid. Other Canadian airlines, including Air Transat and Air Canada, have also suspended flights to Cuba.

Earlier this week, Spanish hotel chain Meliá announced it would cease operations in 15 of the 34 hotels it manages on the island.

This is a breaking news story. More details to come…