June 24, 2022–In a milestone suggesting warmer relations between two adversaries, the U.S. government is permitting airlines to resume flights to Cuba. Southwest, United, American Airlines, JetBlue and other airlines now offer service to Cuba. Destinations include Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara, and Holguin.
In April, the U.S. government lifted travel restrictions and auctioned off round-trip frequency reservations.
In May, the State Department reinstated the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) Program, allowed more remittances to flow to the island nation, and increased consular services and visa processing. Furthermore, State Department Spokesman Ned Price said, “We will support new avenues for electronic payments and for U.S. business activities with independent Cuban entrepreneurs, including through increased access to microfinance and training.”
Background
Under the Trump administration, the U.S. government restricted US-to-Cuba flights to Havana.
In 2020, the U.S. Transportation Department issued a notice suspending charter flights to Cuba, with a limited exception on flights to Havana. That came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a Donald Trump-appointee, requested the restriction. Pompeo said the goal was to “strengthen the impact of the Administration’s policy of applying economic pressure on the Cuban regime,” particularly in light of the nation’s support for Venezuela.