Russian airlines are repatriating thousands of tourists from Cuba after the island nation ran out of jet fuel for international flights. Rossiya Airlines and Nordwind Airlines have suspended all flights to Cuba and are operating one-way return flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow.

Cuba's fuel crisis stems from its heavy dependence on Venezuelan oil imports, which halted after January 3 when Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by US forces. Mexico, Cuba's second-largest oil supplier, also stopped exports following US tariffs on countries sending oil to Havana. The Russian Union of Travel Industry estimates at least 4,000 Russian tourists are currently stranded on the island.

Canadian carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have also canceled flights and are sending empty planes to retrieve passengers. Rossiya Airlines plans to operate at least six one-way flights and suspend all operations to Cuba by February 24. Both Russian airlines are offering refunds to affected passengers while exploring options to resume bidirectional service. The fuel shortage highlights Cuba's vulnerability as a close Russian ally facing increasing economic pressure from US sanctions and regional instability.