First Direct Charter Flights From NYC to Cuba's Capital Begin Next Week

Ever since President Barack Obama announced a change in diplomatic policy on Cuba in December, the relationship between the U.S. and the island nation has gradually warmed. And now, travel to Cuba is about to get much easier for New Yorkers, starting next week. Cuba Travel Services is beginning a direct charter flight as of this Tuesday, from John F. Kennedy International Airport to José Martí International Airport, which takes three-and-a-half hours. Operated by Sun Country Airlines, Flight 8890 will leave New York at 3 p.m. ET every Tuesday. The New York region is home to many Cuban-Americans, as well as many curious travelers, which makes it an obvious fit for a direct flight.