CALGARY — WestJet Group is beginning an orderly wind down of its winter operations to Cuba, in a move that includes WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.

The move comes just hours after Air Canada and ACV announced the suspension of their Cuba season, amid Cuba’s warning that nine major airports on the island will no longer have enough fuel to refuel international aircraft.

As reported earlier today, Cuba’s biggest airport, José Martí International Airport in Havana, issued the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for key gateways including Havana, Holguin, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba and more, and will be in effect from Feb. 10 to March 11.

BOOKINGS SUSPENDED

“Aligning with our focus to put guests and crew first and protect the integrity of our operation, WestJet Group has made the decision to begin an orderly wind down of our winter operations to Cuba, this is inclusive of WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec,” said WestJet Group.

Last week the Canadian government updated its advice for Canadian travellers to Cuba, warning of possible shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water, and medicine, which can also affect resorts.

WestJet will operate departures from Canada with empty aircraft to support the organized return of guests currently vacationing in Cuba. All aircraft dispatched to Cuba will carry sufficient fuel to safely depart without reliance on local fuel availability.

WestJet Group has also suspended bookings to Cuba and will leverage aircraft departing for Cuba to safely bring passengers currently vacationing in destination back home.

“If you’re scheduled to travel to Cuba on a flight or vacation package with WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, or Vacances WestJet Québec, your trip will be cancelled. Affected guests will receive communication with options, including refunds or flexible changes,” said the company.

More details and a full FAQ from WestJet Group can be found here.