Cuba Stops Jet Fuel; Viva–Volaris Under Review

This week in aerospace news: Cuba suspended aviation fuel distribution at all international airports from Feb. 10 to March 11 under a NOTAM, citing sanctions-related supply pressures. Despite the shortage, Aeroméxico and Viva confirmed they will maintain operations to the island, even as other airlines scale back services. In Mexico, regulators are intensifying scrutiny of the proposed Grupo Más Vuelos holding structure that would combine low-cost carriers Viva and Volaris, citing potential pricing concerns.

Separately, Aeroméxico has suspended plans to expand US routes after the US Department of Transportation revoked authorization for 13 routes, redirecting growth toward Latin America and Europe in 2026. Meanwhile, Mexico’s air cargo volumes declined 2.4% in 2025 amid trade uncertainty with the US, softer economic conditions and ongoing security challenges across key logistics corridors.

More news below:

Mexico Probes Viva, Volaris Under Grupo Más

The proposed creation of Grupo Más Vuelos, a holding company that would group low-cost carriers Viva Aerobus and Volaris under a single parent entity, has prompted heightened regulatory scrutiny amid concerns about its potential impact on competition and pricing dynamics in Mexico’s aviation market.

Aeroméxico, Viva Keep Cuba Service Despite Fuel Shortage

Aeroméxico and Viva said they will continue operating flights to Cuba despite warnings from Cuban authorities about limited aviation fuel availability—a situation that has already prompted several international carriers to suspend or adjust services. The fuel constraints are expected to last from Feb. 10 through March 11, 2026.

Airline Launches Hit Lowest Since 1999: IATA

A total of 28 airlines exited the global aviation market in 2025, matching the number of new carriers that launched operations during the year and underscoring a period of constrained growth and heightened financial pressure across the industry. According to IATA Sustainability and Economics—drawing on public sources and data from ch-aviation and Flightradar24 (FR24) under license—the figures reflect a numerical balance between closures and startups that masks deeper structural challenges. While demand for air travel and cargo continued to expand, conditions for sustaining or launching airline operations remained difficult, particularly for smaller and less diversified carriers.

Aeroméxico Suspends US Plans, Eyes Europe Growth

Aeroméxico has temporarily paused the launch of new routes to the United States following the US Department of Transportation’s decision in late October to revoke authorization for 13 routes between the two countries, including two services operated from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The regulatory action has prompted Mexico’s flag carrier to recalibrate its near-term growth strategy, shifting capacity and commercial focus toward Latin America and Europe for 2026. 

Airlines Keep Older Jets as Aircraft Output Lags Demand

Aviation supply chain constraints have evolved from a temporary post-pandemic disruption into a structural bottleneck for the global airline industry, as passenger demand surpasses pre-COVID levels while aircraft production struggles to keep pace. Industry executives speaking at the Singapore Airshow said prolonged component shortages, extended lead times and material constraints are forcing carriers to retain aging aircraft longer than planned, increasing operating costs and complicating fleet strategies.

SpaceX to Target Moon Colony Ahead of Mars

Elon Musk said SpaceX has shifted its near-term priority from establishing a settlement on Mars to building what he described as a “self-growing city on the Moon,” citing faster launch windows and shorter travel times as key advantages. The announcement marks a reversal from Musk’s earlier dismissal of lunar missions as a distraction and comes as NASA prepares for crewed Artemis missions while SpaceX faces scrutiny over its readiness to deliver a lunar lander under a multibillion-dollar federal contract.

Avianca Cargo Lifts Flower Exports 6% for Valentine’s

Avianca Cargo transported more than 19,000 tons of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to the United States for the 2026 Valentine’s Day season, a 6% year-over-year increase and the highest volume recorded in the past five years, according to company executives and airport officials. The operation, carried out over roughly three weeks, involved nearly 320 cargo flights and a temporary workforce increase of more than 30%.

Cuba Suspends Aviation Fuel Supply Amid Sanctions Pressure

Cuba has suspended the supply of aviation fuel at all international airports beginning at midnight, according to official notifications sent to airlines, in a move that threatens to disrupt international air traffic and further strain the island’s tourism-dependent economy. The measure, communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), will remain in effect from Feb. 10 through March 11 and affects carriers from the United States, Spain, Panama and Mexico, among others.

Volaris to Launch Daily Guadalajara–Saltillo Route

Grupo Aeroportuario Mexicanos (AME) announced that Volaris will begin operating a new daily route between Guadalajara and Saltillo on June 1, 2026, expanding connectivity at Saltillo International Airport and supporting regional mobility linked to Coahuila’s industrial activity.

AICM Ranks Third Worldwide for On-time Flights

Mexico City International Airport ranked third globally for on-time performance in 2025, maintaining its position from the previous year despite operating with fewer flights as part of congestion management efforts, according to aviation data firm Cirium.

New ICAO President Signals Aviation Transformation Era Ahead

Toshiyuki Onuma, the newly appointed president of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, said global aviation has entered a new phase defined by coordinated action and long term planning. Speaking at the Changi Aviation Summit in Singapore, Onuma said the sector’s rapid expansion requires urgent alignment around ICAO’s Long Term Strategic Plan toward 2050, which was endorsed by member states late last year.

Mexico Air Cargo Dips 2.4% in 2025 Amid Trade Risks

Mexico ended 2025 with weaker air cargo volumes, as trade uncertainty with the United States, softer economic growth and persistent security concerns along key logistics routes weighed on freight activity, according to official figures and industry analysts.