Biodun Iginla, BBC News

Biodun Iginla, BBC News

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

US and Cuba reach 'understanding' on flights


  • 30 minutes ago

Jose Marti International Airport is located 15 km (9 mi) southwest of Havana, Cuba, and is a hub for Cubana de Aviación, Aerogaviota and Aerocaribbean.
Image caption Cuba's Jose Marti airport could soon see flights from the US
The US and Cuba have reached an understanding on resuming regular commercial flights between the two countries.
Unnamed officials in Cuba and the US said an announcement was imminent.
It is unclear when the flights would start because negotiations between the Cuban government and the US airlines could take months.
The move is a significant step nearly a year after the former Cold War enemies began restoring diplomatic relations.
The US reopened its embassy in Havana in August after a 54-year absence.
A tourist visits Old HavanaImage copyright AFP
Image caption Relations between Cuba and the US, once Cold War foes, have thawed rapidly
A State department spokesperson said the two countries "are making progress but still negotiating" on resuming flights.
The understanding is a key development as Cuba and the US continue to negotiate over a number of issues which could ultimately see the US trade embargo lifted.
The news comes as travel between the US and Cuba surged by an estimated 50% this year.
Thousands of Americans are already visiting the island and hotels and hostels are booked for months.
But those travelling have to do so using difficult to book charter flights or via third countries.
A formal agreement could mean more than a dozen flights arriving into Cuba from the US a day, officials said.

A significant step: By Will Grant, BBC News, Havana

US citizens ride a vintage car in HavanaImage copyright Reuters
Image caption Americans already visit Cuba but the move would make travel easier
In some regards, the move to restore commercial flights is one of the most significant steps of the past 12 months in that it will further facilitate the arrival of American visitors to Cuba.
With tourism increasingly becoming the main economic motor for the communist-run island, it comes as little surprise that the Cuban government was as keen on this particular measure as their counterparts in Washington.
It has been an extraordinary year in Cuba-US relations. But sticking points remain in normalising the bilateral ties.
In particular, the Cubans want to see the US economic embargo on the island lifted as soon as possible, something President Obama has repeatedly urged Congress to do.

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