US, Cuba to restore commercial flights

An understanding reached between the US and Cuba will mean that American airlines might be flying to the island within months.

The United States and Cuba have reached an understanding on restoring regularly scheduled commercial flights.

The advance opens the way for US airlines to begin flying to Cuba within months in what would be the biggest business deal struck as the two countries try to normalise relations.

Officials on both sides described it as an understanding on aviation but not yet a formal agreement and they hoped to reach a formal deal within hours or days. The understanding was reached on Wednesday in Washington.

Right now, American and Cuban travellers must fly on charter flights that are complicated to book, rarely involve an online portal and often force prospective travellers to email documents and payment information back and forth with an agent. Those flying sometimes must arrive at the airport four hours in advance and strict baggage limits apply.

US officials and aviation executives have speculated that Cuba could allow more than a dozen flights from the US a day.

It's unclear if those flights would completely replace charters, but they appear certain to create a surge in travel that would place heavy strain on Cuba's already overstrained tourist infrastructure. Hotels and private hostels are booked for months.

Authorised American travel to the island is up 50 per cent this year, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, who heads the US Embassy in Havana, said.

While the majority of US travellers are Cuban-Americans, there has been a sharp rise in Americans travelling for specially authorised purposes, particularly on educational tours known as people-to-people travel.

Cuba and the US announced last week direct mail service would restart after a 52-year interruption.