Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport said it has received federal approval to serve as a port of entry for charter flights restricted to those with "purposeful travel" to and from Cuba.
The Atlanta airport announced it has been approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as one of several new U.S. gateways to Cuba. The move allows charter flights for passengers with close relatives in Cuba, for those who are involved in the medical or agricultural business sectors, or for education or religious activities.
A statement from Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Louis Miller said it "will allow tens of thousands of Cuban-Americans across the country to easily reunite with their friends and families, whom they may not have seen for many years."
Other airports that already have the authority include Los Angeles, New York's John F. Kennedy and Miami. Along with Atlanta, seven more airports have been newly authorized for flights to Cuba, including Baltimore/Washington International, Dallas/Fort Worth, New Orleans, Chicago O'Hare, Pittsburgh, Tampa and San Juan.
The new approvals came after President Barack Obama decided to ease restrictions on flights to and from Cuba and allow eligible airports to seek approval for flights to or from Cuba.
Delta Air Lines said it is already licensed to operate charter flights to Cuba and expects to begin nonstop charter flights from Atlanta to Cuba later this year. C&T Charters also has expressed interest in operating charter flights to Cuba from Atlanta, according to Hartsfield-Jackson.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
