A Cuban-American woman recently shared a video on TikTok that captures a fully booked flight heading to Cuba, countering the prevalent fear-mongering about traveling to the island amidst its ongoing crisis.
The user, @mili68652 (MilenisAshly&Astrid), filmed the bustling cabin filled with passengers and wrote in her post: "Stop spreading fear; this flight to Cuba is packed. They were offering money for volunteers to wait for the next flight, with a complimentary hotel stay included."
This clip quickly gained traction, amassing over 152,000 views, 1,327 likes, 154 comments, and being shared 314 times within a short span.
Standard Overbooking Practices vs. Tourism Decline
The scene depicted—an airline offering financial compensation and accommodation for those willing to give up their seats—is a standard practice known as overbooking compensation, regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation with reimbursements up to $1,550 per passenger.
The video strikingly contrasts with the broader tourism landscape in Cuba, which is currently experiencing its worst slump in years. Data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reveals that Cuba welcomed 184,833 tourists in January 2026, a 9% decrease compared to the same month in 2025, marking the lowest January in 13 years.
Impact of Fuel Shortage on Flights to Cuba
Additionally, the number of Cuban residents abroad visiting the island has plummeted over 40% within the same timeframe: 12,574 arrivals compared to 21,015 in January 2025.
Since February, over 1,700 flights to Cuba have been canceled due to a severe shortage of Jet A1 fuel, exacerbated by the halt in Venezuelan oil supplies following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.
Airlines such as Air Canada, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Air Transat, and WestJet have either suspended or significantly reduced their flights to the island.
Conflicting Travel Experiences Amidst Official Warnings
The Cuban authorities have issued an international notice regarding the Jet A1 fuel shortage across all airports, effective until April 10, 2026.
The contrast with the viral video is stark: just three weeks prior, Cuban influencer Yusmani Companioni documented a Miami-Santa Clara charter flight with barely a dozen passengers, warning, "Flights to Cuba might be suspended soon due to lack of passengers and luggage."
The debate over traveling to Cuba in 2026 is heated on social media, particularly among the Cuban diaspora in the United States, where experiences vary greatly depending on the route and timing.
Several countries have issued formal travel advisories: the U.S. ranked Cuba at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) on March 26; Poland issued a maximum-level warning last Sunday urging against all travel; Ireland, Canada, and Switzerland also updated their advisories due to widespread blackouts, shortages of essential services, and risk of arbitrary detentions.
The Cuban notice of Jet A1 fuel scarcity remains in effect until April 10, 2026, a date that will determine whether the aviation situation improves or persists.
Questions About Traveling to Cuba in 2026
What are the current travel warnings for Cuba?
The U.S. has issued a Level 2 warning, advising increased caution, while Poland, Ireland, Canada, and Switzerland have issued warnings due to blackouts, service shortages, and potential detentions.
How has the fuel shortage affected flights to Cuba?
The fuel shortage has led to the cancellation of over 1,700 flights since February and has prompted airlines like Air Canada and Air France to suspend or reduce services to Cuba.