Argentine Company YPF Suspends Fuel Supply to Cubana de Aviación, Ending 39-Year Flight Route

The Argentine oil company YPF has refused to continue supplying fuel to Cubana de Aviación, the Cuban national airline, prompting the halt of scheduled flights between Cuba and Argentina that had been maintained for 39 years. The decision by YPF is based on the application of the U.S. blockade against Cuba.

The Cuban government denounced the measure as a violation of international trade rules and an example of the extraterritorial nature of the U.S. embargo against Cuba. "The application of this measure by YPF Argentina is a demonstration of the extraterritorial nature of the U.S. blockade against Cuba, as it violates Argentina's national legislation that prohibits the application of foreign laws with extraterritorial effects," the Cuban Foreign Ministry stated.

The halt of flights, which ended a nearly four-decade-old route, will have consequences for both Cubana de Aviación and Argentine citizens. The Cuban government said the decision contravenes Argentine law, which prohibits the application of foreign laws intended to impose an economic blockade. "The breach of contract by YPF Argentina will harm Argentine citizens and other travelers, in addition to causing damages to Cubana de Aviación," Cuba declared.

Why this matters: This incident marks the first significant disagreement between Cuba and the administration of Argentine President Javier Milei. The tourism sector is critical for Cuba's economy, which is facing a challenging situation due to the pandemic and the intensification of U.S. sanctions.

Prior to the halt, Cubana de Aviación had resumed flights to Buenos Aires in May 2023 after a pandemic-induced pause. The flow of Argentine tourists to Cuba had increased by 44% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. Cuba has vowed to continue denouncing cases of extraterritorial application of the U.S. blockade and demand an end to this illegal policy, which is overwhelmingly rejected by the international community.

Key Takeaways

• YPF Argentina halted fuel supply to Cuba's national airline, suspending flights.
• Cuba denounced the move as a violation of international trade rules.
• The halt will harm Argentine citizens and Cubana de Aviación.
• This marks a disagreement between Cuba and Argentina's new president Javier Milei.
• Cuba vows to continue denouncing the extraterritorial application of U.S. sanctions.