JetBlue offers direct flights between Cuba and New York City in over 50 years

According to reports, JetBlue began round-trip service from JFK Airport to Cuba. It is for the first time that a major airline has come up with an offer to connect people from the city to the Caribbean island after over 50 years. At that time, travel to the Caribbean island was restricted.

In the inaugural trip, a huge Cuban flag was flown at JetBlue's terminal Gate No. 21. Ground staff waved and cheered when passengers boarded the plane. There were also passengers who didn't visit the place in over a decade.

Lazaro Iglesias, 44, of Kearny, NJ was going back to Cuba for the first time since he came to the US in 2002. He said that he feels really excited to visit the place. He was carrying a luggage trolley with boxes containing clothing and electronics for his family in Havana.

It was announced by the airline that flights will be offered from New York to Havana every Friday after travel restrictions has been eased. Iglesias said that it is like a dream come true. The jet was still carrying only about 60 passengers on the 150-seat Airbus 320 since travel requirements continue to hinder travel. One can't travel for other purposes such as education, business, government or aid work or family visitation.

American-born 6-year-old Richard Ramos said, "I'm going to see Mommy's home! His mother, Amylis Bons, of Elizabeth, NJ, was going back to Cuba after 2007. She said,"I'm going to give my parents a big hug. I never thought I would see them again".