The ease of travel between the U.S. and Cuba just took another big step! The Department of Transportation approved over 100 routes per week for six U.S. airlines including American and Southwest. Pending approval from Cuban aviation officials (who welcome U.S. travelers), and barring unforeseen delays, direct air service from many U.S. gateways will commence in less than three months.
While this is great news for U.S. meetings and incentive planners, there is a catch. The approved routes are to Cuban cities other than Havana. Approved service to Havana is the most coveted route for U.S. commercial airlines, and the Department of Transportation is sorting through applications that far exceed the available number of flights.
While numerous charter airlines currently provide reliable service to Havana from the U.S. (and some cater very well to meetings and incentive groups), hopefully we won’t be waiting too much longer for commercial service to Havana.
Travel Note: One concern we often hear is about limitations on hotel space availability in Havana. This only applies to travel with short lead times (inside six months). With 12–month lead times, hotel space is readily available at one of several incentive quality hotels in Havana. And while we wait to learn when commercial air service to Havana is available, we continue to work closely with the charter companies currently providing service to Havana for both groups and individuals.
Scott Andrews
President and Founder
Cuba Incentive Travel Associates