TORONTO (AP) — Air Canada has suspended service to Cuba due to a aviation fuel shortage on the island.

Canada's largest airline announced Monday that it made the decision after the Cuban government announced that there would be no aviation fuel available at Cuban airports starting Tuesday.

Cuba has been facing a worsening energy crisis amid the U.S. oil blockade.

Canadian tourism It is vital for Cuba's economy. Global Affairs Canada, a government office, has noted that Canada is the second-largest source of direct investment on the island, particularly in the mining and tourism sectors, which have never fully recovered from the slump caused by the pandemic.

Air Canada said it will send empty flights south in the coming days to pick up approximately 3,000 customers and take them back home.

Air Transat and West Jet/Sunwing say they intend to continue flights as planned despite the fuel announcement.

Air Canada says the flight suspension begins Monday.

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This story was translated from English by an AP editor using a generative artificial intelligence tool.