The Juan Gualberto Gómez Ferrer International Airport in Varadero has initiated a public tender to lease its fuel storage tanks, a move that underscores the severe energy crisis crippling Cuban aviation.
Announced by the Varadero Airport Basic Business Unit (UEB), part of the Cuban Airports and Aeronautical Services Company S.A. (ECASA), the offer includes four tanks: two with a capacity of 50 cubic meters and two of 35 cubic meters, covering a total area of 215.80 square meters.
The monthly rental fee is set at 264,139.20 Cuban pesos, calculated at a rate of 1,224 CUP per square meter, according to the tender document signed by Yenma Boffill Navarro, head of the Commercial Department of UEB.
Interested parties have until July 10 to submit their sealed bids to the Commercial Department, located at Carretera Mártires de Barbados Km. 5.6, Finca Cabarroca, Carbonera, Matanzas. The bid opening is scheduled for July 14 at 9:30 a.m., overseen by public notary Lic. Yaneisy Ruiz Morales.
A notable clause in the tender specifies that the lessor cannot terminate the contract citing personal need for the property, "unless otherwise agreed, as it is contingent on the resumption of airport operations." This implies that the airport is operating very minimally or is nearly at a standstill.
The winning bidder will not have the right to transfer or sublease the space, must register their employees with airport authorities, and will have 30 days from the invoice date to pay the monthly rent.
This tender comes at the most challenging time for Cuban aviation in decades. Since February 10, 2026, Cuba's nine international airports have been without Jet A-1 fuel, resulting in more than 1,700 flight cancellations during the high season and the suspension of operations by at least 11 airlines, including Air Canada, Iberia, and Turkish Airlines.
The tourism sector has suffered greatly, with Cuba recording 112,000 fewer visitors in the early months of 2026 compared to the previous year. By June, only American Airlines continues direct flights to Varadero, operating four days a week from Miami.
The situation worsened after Executive Order 14380, signed by Donald Trump on January 29, 2026, which enforces secondary sanctions on third countries selling fuel to Cuba. Jorge Piñón, an expert from the University of Texas, warned in June 2026 that Cuba's strategic reserves were almost entirely depleted.
By leasing out critical airport infrastructure for Cuban pesos, the regime is betting on private or mixed entities to restore aviation fuel supplies through means that the state can no longer secure independently.
FAQs on Varadero Airport's Fuel Tank Leasing
Why is Varadero Airport leasing its fuel storage tanks?
The leasing of fuel storage tanks is a response to the profound energy crisis affecting Cuban aviation, as the country struggles to secure jet fuel supplies independently.
What are the terms of the leasing agreement?
The lease includes four fuel tanks and prohibits the lessee from subleasing or transferring the space. Bids must be submitted by July 10, with specific payment and employee registration requirements.
How has the aviation crisis in Cuba impacted tourism?
The crisis has led to a significant drop in tourist numbers, with 112,000 fewer visitors early in 2026 compared to the previous year, and only American Airlines maintaining direct flights to Varadero.