Delta Air Lines is resuming its operations from Miami to Cuba. The two daily nonstop flights will start on April 10, 2023, and they will connect Miami International Airport to the José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba. In March 2020, Delta’s Cuba flights were again put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement also follows the decision of the Biden administration earlier this year to make travel between the U.S. and Cuba easier after the Trump administration made severe travel restrictions between the two countries.
With this restart, customers traveling through Miami will have access to 203 weekly nonstop flights at 10 U.S. airports.
Delta made its return to the Cuban market in 2016 after a 55-year hiatus. But the company suspended service in March 2020 in response to COVID-19. In line with continued strong demand, Delta remains committed to fully restoring its network by next summer, as shared on the September quarter 2022 financial results call.
The flights will operate on an Airbus A320 aircraft with a choice of First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin. First Class customers will enjoy treats and beverages including unique products from small and diverse brands like Kate’s Real Food Lemon Coconut bars, Thrive Farmers Tea and Du Nord vodka. Comfort+ and Main Cabin customers will also enjoy a tasty snack like Biscoff cookies.
All customers on flights from Miami to Havana can enjoy complimentary Delta Studio featuring more than 1,000 hours of on-demand in-flight entertainment and exclusive partner-curated content from Peloton and Spotify. Additionally, free mobile messaging is available via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, plus optional access to high-speed Wi-Fi.
U.S and Cuba
Delta’s new nonstop flights from Miami to Cuba will operate on an Airbus A320 aircraft with first-class, Delta Comfort+, and economy seating. The flights will feature in-flight entertainment, free mobile messaging, and the option to purchase high-speed Wi-Fi.
Customers interested in traveling to Havana should refer to the U.S. Embassy website for details on travel requirements.
As Travel Noire reported, the U.S. State Department issued a statement announcing that among the new measures the Biden administration would be putting into place will be allowing more flights between the U.S. and Cuba.
However, the island will not be fully open to tourists. Group travel for educational and work purposes will be allowed. With the new plan, there will be no cap on the amount of money people can send to family and friends on the island.
The people-to-people educational travel category came about during the Obama administration and is what group travel falls under. Under this category, American travelers will be able to visit Cuba via organized tours. The purpose is to promote cultural exchange between the United States and Cuba.
“With these actions, we aim to support Cubans’ aspirations for freedom and for greater economic opportunities so that they can lead successful lives at home,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said when the new policies were announced.
According to the U.S. State Department, the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are family visits; official government business; journalistic activity; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, exhibitions, and athletic competitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations, research, or educational institutes; exportation or importation; and certain authorized export transactions.
