Canadian airlines have left Cuba, Anand says

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the final Canadian-operated flights have left Cuba and the government updated its travel advice to "avoid all non-essential travel" due to reported shortages amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the final flights operated by Canadian airlines have left Cuba. The government posted a statement thanking airline workers and saying more than 27,900 travellers were brought back to Canada. Ottawa updated travel advice to "avoid all non-essential travel" because of reported shortages of fuel, electricity, food, water and medicine amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade. The travel advice also notes that all Canadian airlines have suspended service to Cuba until further notice. Key details: - Anita Anand said the final Canadian-operated flights have left Cuba and thanked airline workers for returning more than 27,900 travellers. - The Government of Canada updated its travel advice to "avoid all non-essential travel," citing worsening shortages, and stated that all Canadian airlines have suspended service until further notice. - Global Affairs Canada previously reported more than 7,000 Canadians were registered as present in Cuba; the registration is voluntary and does not represent the total number in the country. - Earlier this month, major Canadian carriers including Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat suspended flights, with airlines citing concerns about the reliability of aviation fuel supplies on the island. Summary: The suspension of Canadian airline service has ended direct Canadian-operated flights and led to the repatriation of tens of thousands of travellers. The government has advised avoiding non-essential travel to Cuba amid reported shortages. Undetermined at this time.