Oil squeeze pushes Cuba to reroute flights and ration health services amid sanctions

A US-led squeeze on Cuba’s oil supplies is creating jet-fuel shortages, prompting Air Canada to suspend direct flights to Cuba and forcing other carriers to adjust schedules or refuel en route; Iberia and Air Europa must land in the Dominican Republic for refueling, while American, Delta, and Aeromexico say they’ll continue flying with logistical tweaks. Cuba has announced austerity measures to conserve resources, prioritizing urgent health care and limiting hospital stays, surgeries, and transport; blackouts and long gas lines add to daily hardship. Officials attribute much of the crisis to sanctions and underinvestment, with international players offering aid and calls for dialogue continuing.