The U.S. announced plans previous year to resume flights to Cuba, months after the two countries began to normalize diplomatic relations and reopened embassies in each other’s capitals.
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A statement from the carrier read: “United Airlines today applauded the historic signing by representatives of the United States and Cuba governments of a formal arrangement to reinstitute air service between the two countries”.
Last year, American operated 1,200 charter flights to Cuba, “more than any other US carrier and a significant increase over the prior year”, the airline said.
It’s every travel lover’s dream come true – all is well between the United States and Cuba, and based on this, the USA is set to restore flights to Cuba again.
The signing of the final agreement also means US carriers can now begin the process of bidding on slots at Cuban airports, including Havana and bidding for rights over specific routes. Cuban Transportation Minister Yzquierdo Rodriguez said Tuesday’s deal was a key step to “the establishment of regular flights between the United States and Cuba”.
The new direct flights from the U.S.to Cuba may impact Cayman Airways.
USA officials expect there will be more demand than supply for the Havana flights, so that will generate intense competition for those routes.
Flights between Cuba and the USA could start as soon as this fall. But with travel prohibitions between the United States and the island nation, getting there has mostly been a fleeting fantasy.
The pact calls for as many as 110 daily flights from the USA to cities across Cuba, including 20 regular daily flights to Havana by next autumn.
American Airlines said that it plans to include flights from its Miami International Airport hub and other locations in its application for service.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 29: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and President Raul Castro (L) of Cuba shake hands during a bilateral meeting at the United Nations Headquarters on September 29, 2015 in New York City. Currently, charter flights from Cuba are required to land at airports authorized by Customs and Border Protection.
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Nevertheless, leisure tourism to the island will remain prohibited, with US citizens allowed to travel there for one of 12 approved reasons, including professional, educational, religious and humanitarian purposes.
