Commissions Recalled as Sunwing Extends Cancellation of Cuba Program; Flair Gets Go-Ahead to Fly There
by Bruce Parkinson
Millions of Cubans have been in the dark for much of this year due to a fuel shortage and blockade.
There have been several developments concerning Cuba as a tourist destination this week.
The bad news is that Sunwing Vacations Group has announced it will extend the pause of operations to the troubled island nation for the summer season, with a possible resumption in October. Clients booked from now through October 31 will receive a full refund to their original form of payment within 21 business days, the company states.
The worse news for travel advisors is that they will not be paid for their work in booking clients during that period, as Sunwing has announced that commissions will be recalled.
One piece of potentially good news is that Canadian carrier Flair Airlines has had its application to operate scheduled international flights to Cuba approved by the Canadian Transportation Agency. The airline has not announced a start date for services, and is likely waiting for Cuba’s economic situation to improve before finalizing any plans.
The Canadian government’s travel advisory level for Cuba remains at orange (avoid non-essential travel).
Long a favourite destination for Canadians and Europeans, Cuba saw its tourism industry collapse in February following a U.S.-imposed oil blockade and shortages of both jet fuel and the other fossil fuels used to power the island’s electrical grid.
Canada’s airlines repatriated thousands of travellers back to Canada earlier this year. Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations have already announced the suspension of Cuba operations through November 1.
Air Transat announced this week that it is continuing to review the potential for a Cuba return, but flights through the end of October remain suspended from sale at this time. Cuba specialist wholesaler Hola Sun has also temporarily suspended its Cuba operations, with no return date announced.
“At this time, all operations in Cuba have been cancelled from June 20, 2026, through October 9, 2026 (inclusive) for all gateways/airports,” Sunwing Vacations Group said in a statement.
“Services to Varadero (VRA) and Cayo Coco (CCC) will resume as scheduled on October 10, 2026. Service to Holguin (HOG), Santa Clara (SNU), Cayo Largo (CYO) and Cienfuegos (CFG) will resume on October 25, 2026,” the Sunwing/WestJet announcement added.
Whether that happens remains in question. The U.S. has recently eased its oil blockade, but the situation remains in flux, with President Donald Trump alternating between threats to take over the island and talk of negotiations with Cuba’s leadership.
For its past, the Cuba Tourist Board says it will look to a better future by hosting a hybrid version of its annual international tourism fair FITCuba 2026 from May 7 to May 9. The organization says the event aims to celebrate the nation’s “unwavering resilience and its heartfelt commitment to welcoming back its most cherished visitors: Canadians.”
