US Approves Cuba Flights By Six American Carriers

The United States has approved flights by six US airlines to Cuban cities other than Havana, the US Transportation Department said in a statement.

The green light lets airlines schedule flights to the communist-ruled island for the first time in decades. Until now, air travel to Cuba has been limited to charter services.

Flights will begin later in the year, the department said.

American will have nonstop service from Miami, the largest Cuban community in the United States; Southwest, JetBlue and Silver Airways will fly from nearby Fort Lauderdale; Frontier will add flights from Chicago and Philadelphia; and Sun Country will fly from Minneapolis.

The department said it approved every route proposal outside Havana except for those of charter operator Eastern Airlines.

A ban on tourism to Cuba remains part of US law, however President Barack Obama has approved exceptions since the countries began restoring relations in December 2014.

US travellers must meet one of 12 criteria such as being Cuban-American or taking part in educational tours or journalistic activity.

Airlines expect a gradual, though potentially bigger payout from the flights than is typical for Caribbean destinations.

Strong demand will come from Cuban-Americans visiting relatives, leisure travellers desiring a once off-limits experience, and executives paying for business class fares to evaluate commercial opportunities, experts said.

"Today's news is historic on many fronts, especially for the families who, for the first time in generations, will have affordable… air travel to visit their loved ones," said Robin Hayes, chief executive of JetBlue Airways, in a news release.

American Airlines and JetBlue said they will begin selling tickets this summer. Southwest Airlines Co said it welcomed the news.

Airlines have applied for nearly triple the 20 daily round-trips that Cuba and the United States agreed to permit to Havana. In extensive submissions, each argued why it is suited for the coveted routes and why others would offer inconvenient connections or higher fares.

The Transportation Department said it will make a decision on Havana during the summer.