Recently, a video has gone viral on social media showing dozens of passengers disembarking from a plane on the tarmac in Moscow. The flight, destined for Cuba, was unexpectedly aborted just before takeoff.
According to Russian media outlet Mash on Telegram, testimonies from passengers on flight SU6849 reveal that the aircraft was nearly airborne when, at the last moment, the pilot announced that there was no fuel available in Havana, forcing an abrupt cancellation.
In response to this sudden announcement, passengers were required to "submit statements for ticket refunds" and complete processes to reclaim the cost of their tickets.
Some travelers were given the option to reschedule their vacations to alternative destinations such as China, Egypt, or Turkey, as reported to Mash.
On February 11, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) declared a temporary suspension of all flights between Moscow and Cuba. Before this directive is fully enforced, authorities have assured the safe return of Russian tourists currently stranded on the island.
This decision stems directly from the severe aviation fuel shortage in Cuba, a further consequence of the country's ongoing energy crisis, which is now directly affecting international air connectivity.
To facilitate the repatriation process, two airlines have been tasked: Rossiya, a subsidiary of the Aeroflot group, and Nordwind Airlines, also known as Severny Veter. Both will operate special return flights solely back to Russia, departing from the international airports of Havana and Varadero.
Recent estimates indicate that approximately 4,000 Russian tourists are presently in Cuba. To transport them, airlines will conduct ferry flights; planes will take off empty from Moscow as they cannot refuel in Cuba due to the collapse of the JET-A1 fuel supply.
The suspension also impacts travelers who purchased tickets outside of tour packages. Rossiya has stated that they are offering full refunds for already issued tickets.
"In the coming days, Rossiya will conduct several return-only flights to ensure the safe return of Russian tourists," announced Rosaviatsia via their official Telegram channel.
Once the evacuation is complete, the regular flight schedule between the two countries will be suspended until further notice. "Afterward, the airline's flight program will cease temporarily, pending a change in the situation," clarified the regulatory body.
Impact on Tourism and Airline Operations
The crisis is already extending its reach into the tourism sector. Pegas Touristik, one of Russia's leading tour operators, has confirmed the cessation of new package sales to Cuba, although it assured that the return of travelers will be "organized and within scheduled timelines."
Meanwhile, Nordwind Airlines continues limited operations to Holguín and Varadero, but with "forced adjustments" to its schedule, as reported by the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR).
In practice, regular bilateral connectivity has been severely compromised. The Russian Ministry of Transport acknowledged that it is seeking "alternatives to resume flight schedules in both directions," although no concrete timeline has been provided.
A Critical Juncture in Russia-Cuba Tourism Relations
The temporary suspension of air routes marks a sensitive juncture in the tourism relationship between Russia and Cuba, one of the few markets that had maintained a steady flow of visitors to the island in recent years.
The image of planes traveling empty from Moscow to collect passengers and return without a scheduled return date underscores the crisis's scale: without available fuel for regular operations, the country faces a logistical vulnerability that extends beyond tourism.
The evacuation of Russian citizens is an immediate contingency measure. However, the underlying issue reveals a structural problem: the lack of energy supplies, the fragility of infrastructure, and the growing impact on strategic economic sectors.
Although Russian authorities have assured that diplomatic channels remain open, the normalization of flights will depend on Cuba's ability to restore its aviation fuel supply. For now, uncertainty prevails, leaving one of the island's main air bridges to Eastern Europe in suspense.
Questions About the Russia-Cuba Flight Suspension
Why was the flight from Russia to Cuba aborted at the last minute?
The flight was aborted due to the announcement that there was no aviation fuel available in Havana, which forced the cancellation just before takeoff.
What measures are being taken for Russian tourists stranded in Cuba?
To ensure the return of Russian tourists, special flights operated by Rossiya and Nordwind Airlines are being arranged to fly passengers back to Russia from Havana and Varadero.
How is the aviation fuel shortage affecting Cuba's international flights?
The severe shortage of aviation fuel has led to the suspension of flights between Russia and Cuba, impacting international air connectivity and tourism.