WASHINGTON-On Friday, after an effort from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Reps. Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Rick Nolan, Erik Paulsen, and Tom Emmer, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved new direct flights between Minnesota and Cuba. As a part of the administration's efforts to normalize relations with Cuba, the U.S. and Cuba recently signed a civil aviation accord that will open up new opportunities for American businesses and travelers, including regular flights between the U.S. and Cuba, a joint release said.
In an April letter to Secretary Anthony Foxx, the lawmakers urged DOT to consider the application of Sun Country Airlines to provide direct flights between Minnesota and Cuban airports. On Friday, DOT approved two direct Sun Country flights a week between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the airports serving the Cuban cities of Santa Clara and Matanzas. Sun Country is based in the Twin Cities, and was the only airline bidding for direct flights between Minnesota and Cuba.
