MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations has triggered its flexible rebooking policy for travel to Cuba, amid growing concern from some travellers about travel to the island.

Clients who have purchased a travel package to Cuba that includes an Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flight on or before Feb. 5, 2026, for travel dates between Feb. 6 and Feb. 25, 2026, can modify their booking without incurring change fees and rebook for an alternate travel plan.

As reported this week, the Canadian government is advising travellers to Cuba to be aware of possible shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine, which can also affect resorts. “The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate, disrupting flight availability on short notice,” according to the Canadian government’s Cuba travel advice.

Persistent headlines about widespread power outages and possible fuel shortages have prompted Cuban tourism officials to speak out in recent weeks. On Feb. 3 the Cuba Tourist Board said resort areas across Cuba continue to operate normally, with services functioning as usual for the 2025/2026 winter season. From Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 31, 2026, Canadian arrivals increased by 15% compared to the same period last year, representing more than 30,000 additional visitors. Canada is Cuba’s largest source market.

Many travel advisors told Travelweek the immediate effect of the news cycle has been a spike in inquiries rather than a wave of lost bookings.

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE

Air Canada Vacations issued its update for the travel trade last night.

“We are sending this message on a Friday evening as we recognize there have been concerns and questions regarding the current situation in Cuba. While our priority remains the safety and well-being of our passengers at all times, we acknowledge the uncertainty that may exist at this time,” said the tour operator.

ACV says travel advisors and travel industry partners can reach out to ACV with any inquiries. “Please know that we are here to support you. Should you have any questions over the weekend, our team remains available, and we will also continue to engage directly within our closed social groups to provide timely guidance and reassurance.”

ACV also encourages advisors to use the self-serve help options when possible, due to potentially higher call volumes.

With its flexible rebooking policy applying to clients who have purchased a travel package to Cuba that includes an Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flight on or before Feb. 5, 2026, for travel dates Feb. 6 – 25, 2026, ACV is offering the following options for travel advisors …

. Change the client’s travel date. To request this option, agents are asked to call ACV at 1-877-752-7710

. Opt for a Future Travel Credit for the full amount, valid for 1 year. To request this option for clients, click here. The travel advisor can fill out the form on behalf of their client.

. Customers at destination are advised to contact their local ACV rep with any questions or concerns.

. Travel advisors with Group bookings are asked to contact their Groups coordinator.

ACV says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the trade community informed of any new developments. The tour operator’s Facebook Inner Circle pages for travel advisors can be found here (EN) and here (FR).