“On December 16, the United States and Cuba reached a bilateral arrangement to establish scheduled air services between the two countries,” the release said.
The State Department explained that while the deal facilitates scheduled flights, it will continue to allow charter operations between the United States and Cuba.
“While US law continues to prohibit travel to Cuba for tourist activities, a stronger civil aviation relationship will facilitate growth in authorized travel between our two countries — a critical component of the President’s policy toward Cuba,” it added.
US citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba for 12 specific purposes that are listed in the Treasury Department’s Cuban Assets Control Regulations. They include journalistic, educational, religious, professional and humanitarian activities, in addition to family visits and "support for the Cuban people."
In September, the Obama administration announced it was relaxing regulations with Cuba, making it easier for US citizens to travel and conduct business there.
Thursday’s arrangement falls on the day marking the one year anniversary of US President Barack Obama’s announcement to normalize relations with the island nation.
Despite improving relations, Washington still maintains a congressionally-mandate trade embargo on Cuba.
