The report comes on the eve of the first anniversary of the countries’ historic decision to normalize relations after half a century of confrontation.
Advertisement
Josefina Vidal, the director of North American affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, told reporters Wednesday in Havana the two sides have made progress on a memorandum of understanding, and are close to making a formal announcement.
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. But travelers now have to book charter flights or plan travel through a third country.
US and Cuban officials say they are nearing agreement on restoring regular commercial flights between the former Cold War foes after more than 50 years.
The renewal of air travel is the latest step in the thawing relationship between the two countries which persisted even after the Cold War ended. “Our years of experience in Cuba and unmatched customer experience positions JetBlue as the carrier of choice for travel to Cuba”. Hotels and private hostals are booked for months. Most direct charters leave from East Coast cities, though just last week, direct charter flights from Los Angeles to Cuba started.
Sprint and Verizon have signed roaming deals with Cuba’s state telecommunications company that benefit a small class of American travelers.
In particular, the Cubans want to see the U.S. economic embargo on the island lifted as soon as possible, something President Obama has repeatedly urged Congress to do. These include the billions of dollars in competing property claims, the status of fugitives in both countries, and Cuban protection of human rights. The U.S. reopened its embassy in Havana in August after a more than five decade absence.
Advertisement
In the US, banks afraid of running afoul of the embargo have been blocking legal Cuba-related transactions at rates equal to or higher than before Obama’s announcement.
