JetBlue Launches New York-Havana Charter

JetBlue Airways has started direct charter flights between New York and Havana, the first major US carrier to fly the route following President Barack Obama's decision to ease restrictions.

The airline said Cuba Travel Services is offering the weekly Friday flight between New York's JFK Airport and Havana's Jose Marti Airport. It did not say how much the trip would cost.

JetBlue now operates five weekly round trips to Cuba, including flights from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood with various charter partners, the company said in a statement.

Since the Obama administration issued new regulations that eased some restrictions on trade with Cuba, including permitting more travel by Americans to the island, US airlines such as United and Delta have also said they would look into adding service.

Other charter airlines already operate limited service to the Caribbean island.

US citizens are still not allowed to visit Cuba as tourists, but they can visit the island for one of 12 reasons, such as visiting family or for academic, professional, religious or educational reasons.