For over half a century, travel between Cuba and the United States was banned due to hostile relations between the two countries. After all, in 1959, Fidel Castro partook in a revolution that overthrew Cuba’s dictator, Fulgencio Batista, who was backed by the United States. Since then, Cuba had been directed toward a communist state and because a viable threat that was in close proximity to the United States.
But on Wednesday, August 31st, 2016, a Jet Blue, 150 person passenger jet landed in Santa Clara, Cuba, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Many of those on board were journalists and press-related personnel to document the historic flight. Others were Cubans capitalizing on the opportunity to return home and see their families.
The location of Santa Clara, Cuba, is a historical one for Cubans. After all, it is the sight of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s tomb, the charismatic revolutionary leader who had stood alongside Fidel Castro before being executed by government forces in Bolivia.
Although the flight marks the beginning of the end for the long-standing hostilities between the two countries, it does not mean travel is open to anyone. A travel-ban for Americans still exists, and despite the more progressive mindset of Fidel Castro’s successor and brother, Raul Castro, tourism is still illegal in Cuba.
There still is an embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba, preventing a full-out “thaw” from the hostilities that have embattled the two sides since the Cold War. The Obama Administration has sought to lift the embargo so that trade between the two countries could be promoted, but Congress has denied the petition.
Round trips will be limited per day, according to a memorandum that has been agreed by both sides. Only 20 flights will be conducted to and from the island each day, though which air companies will be able to offer those flights remains to be seen.
After all, for these companies, an entirely new market has been opened to them.
