Cancelled flights to Cuba will be devastating, Nova Scotians say

Canadian flights to Cuba have been cancelled after U.S. sanctions and a loss of Venezuelan oil left the island low on jet fuel, and Nova Scotians who bring medical and food supplies say the interruptions will be devastating.

U.S. sanctions announced on Jan. 29 and a reported cutoff of Venezuelan oil have been described as sharply reducing fuel supplies to Cuba. The shortage reportedly included jet fuel, and commercial Canadian airlines are cancelling flights and flying empty planes to bring passengers home. People in Nova Scotia who regularly deliver food and medical supplies say the cancellations cut off an important route for aid. Contacts in Cuba and volunteers report shortages of some medicines, limited electricity and difficulties distributing donations. Key reported points: - A U.S. executive order on Jan. 29 placed new restrictions tied to countries selling oil to Cuba. - Venezuela’s oil shipments to Cuba were reported to have stopped after political developments there. - Cuba has been reported to lack jet fuel; Canadian carriers are cancelling flights and repatriating passengers on return flights. - Volunteers and Nova Scotians who travel with supplies report shortages of medicines, food and constrained electricity in affected areas. Summary: The immediate effect described is a disruption to regular travel and to volunteer deliveries of supplies. Those with ties to Cuba report shortages of fuel, electricity and some medicines that make distribution harder. Undetermined at this time.