BWI Charter Flights To Cuba Set To Start In March

LINTHICUM, Md. (WJZ) -- Island Travel & Tours, Ltd. have that nonstop air charter service between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Havana, Cuba will begin on March 21, 2012.  The flights are scheduled to depart BWI Marshall Airport at 3 p.m. 

The weekly service begins shortly before the scheduled visit to Cuba by Pope Benedict XVI.  The Vatican recently announced the Pope would visit Cuba from March 26-28. 

"There has been great interest and excitement generated by this approved air service to Cuba," said William Hauf, President of Island Travel & Tours.  "The charter service from BWI Marshall will greatly facilitate travel to Cuba by organizations and individuals from Maryland, the Washington, D.C. region, and the entire Mid-Atlantic. What could be better than to have these flights coincide with the papal visit?"

Last spring, BWI Marshall received federal approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to handle passenger charter air service to and from Cuba.  

"This charter service will provide new opportunities for travel and exchange with Cuba," said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Executive Director of BWI Marshall Airport.