BWI To Offer First-Ever Charter Service To Cuba
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Planning a trip? You will soon be able to travel from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to Cuba. It's been off-limits for decades.
Amy Yensi has details on the new flights to Cuba.
U.S. citizen travel to Cuba is still banned for tourism purposes. But soon, some groups will be able to catch flights there from our area.
Known for its Spanish Colonial architecture, classic cars and white sand beaches, a trip to Cuba is like stepping back in time.
A voyage all but off-limits for Americans for decades will soon be possible for local travelers.
"This will be the first nonstop service between the Baltimore-Washington region and Cuba," said Jonathan Dean, BWI Marshall Airport.
Building on the new-found diplomacy between the U.S. and the communist Caribbean island, BWI will offer flights to Havana starting September 30.
"I think it's fantastic for international relations," said Jan McNally.
Island Travel and Tours, along with its partner, Swift Air, will offer the charter service.
"I think that would be great for people who actually want to travel and see that part of the world," said Marcus Mackens.
The flights are scheduled to operate twice per week--on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
But not everyone can buy a ticket for one of the 126 seats on board.
"Basically, it's organizations and groups that have an educational purpose or a humanitarian effort or religious a purpose as well as journalism," said Dean.
Some worry new access instigates the embargo debate.
"We already have them from Ft. Lauderdale to Cuba. You know, I'm not sure. A lot of the Cuban population where we live is very upset about it, and some of the younger people are thrilled," said Cindy Younghans.
There are currently 19 U.S. airports authorized for Cuba service.
BWI Marshall is the only airport in the region with approval for travel to Cuba from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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