Canada’s airlines monitor the Caribbean as the U.S. singles out Cuba & Mexico

The Caribbean tends to love Canadian vacationers. This is due to Canadians tending to travel regardless of what transpires globally.

The U.S. administration’s actions tend to be focused on a part of the world. As a result, many Canadians tend to view their winter sun destinations as a test of resilience.

U.S. airlines initially cancelled & later resumed flights to the Caribbean. This was amidst FAA-ordered airspace closures, immediately following U.S. actions in Venezuela. Canada’s airlines are monitoring the situation closely as the high season for winter sun travel gets underway.

Meanwhile, Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia are now in the crosshairs of the U.S. administration, as well.

As already known to travel advisors, Cuba & Mexico are 23 of the Canadian travel industry’s biggest-selling sun destinations. Canadians are considered intrepid winter vacationers. However, for some, any hint of disruption results in booking hesitancy and a search for alternate destinations.

Contacted by Travelweek, the Cuba Tourist Board shared this statement: In Cuba, everything is normal, with all operating as usual. We feel that Canadian travellers will be remarkably loyal to Cuba. Canadians sustain visits due to the deep-rooted friendship and familiarity with the island’s unique rhythm. Additionally, Canadians are drawn to Cuba by its pristine beaches, affordability, and the warmth of the Cuban people.

In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. attack on Venezuela, WestJet cancelled its Aruba flight from Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) on Saturday, 3 January. This decision was made out of a strong sense of caution.

Air Canada’s new travel advisory now extends its flexible booking policy to 17 Caribbean destinations. This is for Air Canada tickets purchased no later than Friday, 2 January 2026, for travel through Tuesday, 6 January 2026.

The list is…

1. Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda (ANU).
2. Aruba, Aruba (AUA)
3. Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI)
4. Curaçao, Curaçao (CUR)
5. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS)
6. San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
7. St Lucia, Saint Lucia (UVF)
8. St Maarten, Sint Maarten (SXM)
9. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT)
10. Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (PTP)
11. Fort-de-France, Martinique (FDF)
12. Grenada, Grenada (GND)
13. St Vincent, St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD)
14. St Kitts, St Kitts and Nevis (SKB)
15. Bogotá, Colombia (BOG)
16. Cartagena, Colombia (CTG)
17. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)