Cuba's tourism industry faces a severe crisis as electrical blackouts and fuel shortages force airlines to suspend flights and deter travelers. The national grid suffered a complete disconnection on March 16, 2026, after Venezuela stopped supplying oil under pressure from the Trump administration. This follows years of declining tourism, with arrivals dropping from 4 million in 2019 to roughly 2 million last year.

Airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have suspended flights due to fuel shortages, while American carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest continue limited operations. Hotels and short-term rentals struggle with power outages, though some luxury beach resorts with generators remain open. U.S. citizens can still visit under authorized categories, but arrivals have halved compared to last year.

Travel experts strongly advise against visiting Cuba currently, citing unreliable electricity, unavailable gasoline, and deteriorating infrastructure. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 travel advisory, recommending visitors prepare for prolonged outages with backup power supplies and emergency provisions. Cuban Airbnb hosts report widespread cancellations, with local observers noting streets filled with residents but few tourists.