O’Hare Now Offering Direct Flights to Cuba

Chicago -  

O’Hare Airport became the latest United States city to offer nonstop flights to Cuba on Friday -- and more flights are expected since an ease in travel restrictions.

C&T Charters Inc. on Friday began offering one daily flight to and from Havana, Cuba, that will depart or land at O’Hare Airport every Friday, according to a release from the city’s Department of Aviation. An additional daily flight will be added on Mondays beginning Jan. 9, 2012.

The charter company is working with air carrier Sky King to provide service from Terminal 5 and will operate a 737-400 aircraft that accommodates 150 passengers, the release said.

“With growing demand by Americans to visit Cuba, we’re pleased that President Obama took the bold step of making this country more accessible to Chicagoans who want to fly directly to Cuba from O’Hare to visit family, pursue research and education, or for business reasons,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Chicago’s ability to now offer air service to Cuba demonstrates our city’s competitiveness in the global marketplace and it furthers our mission to provide direct connections to Chicago from all around the world.”

O’Hare is one of several airports authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to host charger flights to Cuba, the release said. Previously, flights between Cubs and the United States were restricted to Miami, New York and Los Angeles.

“C&T Charters is pleased to begin offering nonstop flights to Cuba from O’Hare,” said John Cabanas, President and CEO or C&T. “This is the first time in the history of aviation that there has been nonstop air service between Chicago and Havana.”

Travelers can learn more about who is permitted to fly to Cuba from O’Hare at www.ctcharters.com with links to the regulations established by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.