Following Obama’s relaxing of certain travel restrictions to Cuba in late 2010, the White House has given approval to eight American airports to run flights to the country. It is hoped by many to be another step towards total access for US citizens to Cuba.

The eight airports authorised to offer charter flights are: Tampa International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International,; Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; Dallas Fort Worth International; Louis Armstrong New Orleans International; O'Hare International in Chicago; Pittsburgh International, and San Juan Louis Munoz Marin International in Puerto Rico. . Previously, only Miami, New York and Los Angeles were able to run flights to and from Cuba.

It is not yet known how ticket prices will average, though regular flights are set to begin in late summer.

Prior to the move, President Barack Obama implemented measures to reduce the restrictions that prevent a limited number of US citizens from traveling to the Caribbean country, something which was previously impossible following the ban imposed since 1962. The new measures created exceptions in the travel ban for Cuban Americans as well as academics, religious groups and students. It also allowed a greater freedom of money exchange between the two countries.

Nonetheless, The White House’s travel prohibition on its citizens visiting Cuba remains in place for the vast majority of Americans. It is also unclear if the block Likewise, the half century economic blockade continues full force with the goal of forcing a regime change on the island.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

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