The United States broke diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961, two years after Fidel Castro ousted US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in a revolution that steered the island on a leftist course and made it a close ally of the Soviet Union. The U.S. reopened its embassy in Havana in August after a more than five decade absence.
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Ever since President Obama announced the easing of the relationship between US and Cuba a year ago Thursday, it’s been a countdown to the day when traveling to the island nation becomes as easy as any other worldwide travel.
Last week, American Airlines launched charter flights between Los Angeles and Havana. Those flying must sometimes arrive at the airport four hours in advance and strict baggage limits apply.
An official announcement is expected later today. It was also not yet clear how many United States flights will be allowed into Cuba.
The return of commercial flights appears certain to create a surge in travel that would place heavy strain on Cuba’s already overstrained tourist infrastructure.
However, as of Thursday, U.S. and Cuban officials took the first step to allow regularly scheduled U.S. commercial flight to go to the Island. We will talk about it, but I can not say anything, we are not sure that we will have good results, he added.
“Over the next year, we will continue on this path, empowering Cubans and Americans to lead the way”, he said.
Cuba and the U.S. announced last week a direct mail service would restart after a 52-year interruption. However, it is likely that US carriers will wage aggressive campaigns to win those rights.
Obama relaxed travel restrictions to Cuba earlier this year.
Thomas Engle, the deputy assistant secretary for transportation affairs, tells the AP the deal doesn’t anticipate flights to the U.S.by Cuba’s national airline.
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US companies trying to do business in Cuba say bureaucrats have welcomed their proposals in friendly face-to-face meetings but months later there still is no concrete “yes” or “no”. Travelers in 12 authorized categories-including business, cultural exchange, journalism, professional research, athletic contests and academic, humanitarian or religious work-may travel from the U.S.to Cuba so long as they self-certify that their travel meets one of the preapproved categories. “Since then, we have taken important steps forward to normalize relations between our countries – re-establishing diplomatic relations and opening embassies; facilitating greater travel and commerce; connecting more Americans and Cubans; and promoting the free flow of information to, from, and within Cuba”, he said.
