Flight Travel News | October 20, 2026
Air China has arranged an additional flight from Havana to help passengers affected by repeated schedule changes and cancellations, as fuel shortages continue to complicate air travel in Cuba.
The temporary service highlights the challenges facing international airlines operating to and from the Caribbean island, where aviation fuel shortages have made flight planning increasingly difficult.
Air China Adds Temporary Flight CA590
According to Reuters and a notice published by the Chinese Embassy in Cuba, an additional service numbered CA590 was arranged as a replacement option for passengers affected by cancellations of Air China's regular CA866 service between Havana and Beijing.
The embassy's notice said passengers whose CA866 flights had been cancelled before October 10 could complete boarding procedures for the additional service at Air China's counter at Havana's José Martí International Airport, subject to the stated conditions and seat availability.
The extra flight was scheduled to depart on October 19 at 22:30 local time. The embassy warned that the number of seats was limited and advised eligible passengers to monitor schedule updates and arrive at the airport in good time.
The additional service was intended for affected passengers. It was not a general evacuation flight, and travellers should not assume that seats were available to everyone.
Why Is Cuba Facing Flight Disruptions?
Cuba is experiencing a serious fuel shortage that has affected aviation operations. Airlines need reliable access to jet fuel at their destinations and may have to adjust schedules when refuelling cannot be guaranteed.
When fuel is unavailable, carriers may need to carry additional fuel from another airport, change routing, postpone services or cancel flights. These decisions depend on operational, safety and regulatory requirements.
Reuters reported that international airlines have suspended or cancelled some services amid refuelling difficulties. The disruption has left some travellers unable to depart as originally planned.
Although the wider crisis is linked to Cuba's energy shortages and international political and economic pressures, the Chinese Embassy described the repeated changes to Air China's schedule as being due to technical reasons. The causes should therefore not be assumed to be identical for every cancelled flight.
What Does This Mean for International Travellers?
Passengers travelling to or from Cuba should be prepared for possible changes to departure times, connections and airline schedules.
- Check flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport.
- Confirm that any connecting flight is still operating as planned.
- Keep your booking confirmation and airline notifications.
- If a flight is cancelled, contact the airline about rebooking or refund options.
- Do not travel to the airport based solely on an old itinerary or an unverified social media post.
Travellers should also confirm whether their airline is operating their particular route. A temporary additional service for selected passengers does not mean that normal schedules have been restored across Cuba.
Where Can Passengers Find Updates?
For the latest information, passengers should consult their airline and the relevant airport before departure.
Chinese Embassy in Cuba: Notice about the additional Air China flight
Reuters: China adds extra Havana flight as Cuba fuel crisis strands travellers
The Outlook for Flights to Cuba
The additional Air China service offers a travel option for a limited group of affected passengers, but it does not resolve the wider fuel shortage. Further disruption remains possible while airlines assess fuel availability and operational conditions.
Passengers with upcoming Cuba itineraries should check their bookings regularly and rely on direct airline communications for confirmed travel arrangements.
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This report reflects information published on October 20, 2026. Flight schedules can change. Always confirm your individual flight with the operating airline.
