February 18, 2026 Team Contibutor
As the Cuba fuel crisis 2026 deepens, its effects are plain: transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism, and food production all suffer. Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican president’s February 13, 2026, “mañanera” press conference, offered a shot in the arm for the island nation. In Cuba, blackouts are now the norm after recent US sanctions.
The Mexican government announced its airports could serve as refuelling hubs for international carriers unable to obtain “Turbosina” or aviation fuel in Cuba, provided that the Cuban government formally requests this assistance.
These developments are significant in light of Stephane Dujarric’s warning, as spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, that the situation could escalate into a new humanitarian crisis.
The opening of the humanitarian corridor
Cuba faces what some analysts call its biggest test since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Measures like energy rationing and changes such as reducing the work week at state-owned companies to four days don’t seem enough. At a time when Havana seems to be running out of fuel and allies, Mexico has emerged as a resourceful neighbour.
This solidarity with Cuba has both historical and ideological underpinnings. However, Mexico is walking a tightrope because it doesn’t want to upset the US, its top trading partner, which accounts for 80% of the country’s exports. As an advocate of “opening the doors for dialogue to develop” between the US and Cuba, while preserving the latter’s sovereignty, Sheinbaum’s proposal to facilitate an air bridge is timely.
The announcement of the Mexico-Cuba air bridge comes close on the heels of Mexico sending two ships, the Isla Holbox carrying some 536 tons of essential food and personal hygiene items, and the Papaloapan loaded with 277 tons of powdered milk, to help the battered neighbour.
President Sheinbaum has promised to send more humanitarian supplies. Residents see it as an act of kindness as they gaze fixedly at the ships from the Havana’s iconic sea wall.
Oil blockade fuelling the Cuban crisis
Trump’s oil tariffs have affected the energy grid and other critical infrastructure. On Jan 4 aboard Air Force One, he declared, “Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it.”
The tourism industry, the biggest contributor to the economy, has long battled economic sanctions dating back to the Cold War era and the COVID-19-era mass exodus.
It’s a popular winter vacation destination for Canadian tourists, contributing $3 billion US to the Cuban economy. As Cuban resorts halt operations, the Cuban peso is battling a new low. But that’s not all. With limited access to hard currency, the US is also asking Nicaragua to end visa-free travel for Cubans.
A viable alternative for embattled Cuba
As major airlines adjust schedules, Air Canada will return its 3,000 customers currently in Cuba while suspending regular flights to the island. Other airlines report delays and layovers in the Dominican Republic before proceeding to Havana.
The Mexican route will create an air bridge to Cuba. Flights between Mexico and Cuba are continuing as scheduled. Mexico is also assisting Cuban jets to obtain Turbosina, or aviation fuel. Showing solidarity with its neighbours, Mexico has affirmed ongoing efforts to resume oil shipments to Cuba through diplomatic channels.
The new arrangement allows aeroplanes to refuel at Mexican airports. “They can load up, they can come to Mexico,” she said. This measure aims to limit the decline in tourism to Havana as foreign airlines suspend operations due to logistical issues.
Geography decides neighbours, but it takes political will to act conscientiously. Mexico definitely seems to be doing its bit, devising new ways to build humanitarian bridges.
Image source: Official Media Feed / Presidencia de la República (Editorial Use 2026)
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