U.S., Cuba progress toward scheduled air service

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is committed to keeping the general public up to date with the latest news concerning scheduled cargo and passenger flights between the United States and Cuba. 

The United States and Cuba are getting closer to finalizing a scheduled air service that would fly between the two nations.

This progress in restoring flights is part of the new U.S. and Cuba engagement policy, which was established by President Barack Obama. Throughout 2015, the two nations have reopened their respective embassies, located in Havana, Cuba, and Washington, D.C. There has also been other significant progress made in returning to normal relations.

Before the air service can schedule flights, though, U.S. carriers will have to apply to USDOT for the new service. Afterward, USDOT will review the proposals and choose the airline that provides and sustains the best service. Only then will there be authorized commercial shipping and commercial traveling between the two nations. The goal is to make this transition as smooth and safe as possible for both countries.

The U.S. Aviation and International Affairs, the Federal Aviation Administration and the General Counsel are currently working as quickly as possible to move the new scheduled air service forward.