U.S. and Cuba Reach Commercial Flight Agreement
by Daniel McCarthy /Flying between the United States and Cuba will soon be the norm, as the two countries have reportedly come to an agreement to restore commercial flights.
Cuban and American officials have been meeting in Washington and have come to an agreement on key points, expecting a formal deal to be announced today.
The head of North American affairs for Cuba’s foreign ministry told reporters in Havana that the teams in Washington had “have made important advances in negotiating a memorandum of understanding on establishing regular flights between Cuba and the United States.”
Americans have been traveling to Cuba since the countries reopened diplomatic relations a little under a year ago, but they had to do so through other countries or on charter flights. Now major American airlines will be able to fly regularly scheduled flights directly to Havana.
At the moment, Americans are allowed to visit Cuba without having to apply for permission from the government if they are visiting close relatives, are participating in academic, research, or religious programs, or are journalists or athletes taking part in competition. Ordinary tourism is still not allowed.
Travel companies have already started moving into the island nation, as MSC became the first major cruise line to start operations in Cuba this week. Fathom, Carnival’s social-impact cruise line, also announced Cuban itineraries early this year.
For travel agents, the agreement further opens a destination that agents describe as a time-warp trip into a rich and vibrant culture, though one that is not quite up to the standards many high-end travelers expect. The recent opening of relations—and now, air travel—likely will spur development, they say.
Already, Insight Cuba today announced a $200-off promotion on tours to the island, through January 15.