ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time in 30 years, a direct flight to Cuba departed from Orlando International Airport.
Channel 9 anchor Jorge Estevez was on the historic flight to report what life is like for Cuban people and how eased travel restrictions will impact Cuba's and Florida's economy.
Communist ideology had the island virtually cut off from the rest of the world until recently when President Barack Obama indicated the beginning of diplomacy. With embassies open again in Washington, D.C., and Havana, many people in central Florida are eager to connect with family on the island.
Some of the people on the flight haven’t seen their family in decades.
“All my life, I can’t tell you how much I’ve dreamt of this day, and I’m getting a little emotional, because it’s really happening,” said Sima Saoji.
Saoji has never been to Cuba, and when she gets there, she’ll be greeted by a host of family members she’s never met.
She said it’s difficult to contact her family on the island.
“It’s very difficult to call. Sometimes we call, and you have to call the neighbors to get in touch with someone because you really can’t get through all the time,” Saoji said.
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When the plane landed on the tarmac, passengers were taken by bus to the airport terminal, where dozens of people were waiting to reunite with their loved ones.
Lisette Rodriguez hadn’t seen her family in Cuba in years, and said she was thrilled to greet them at the airport.
“I am so happy to see them,” she said.
Families took extra luggage, paying hundreds in extra fees, to bring essentials to their families.
Island Tours was the first company to make the historic announcement to offer direct flights from Orlando to Cuba after diplomatic relations were restored with the country.
Another airline, World Atlantic, operated charter flights on the route last month.
But Island Tours is the only one at this point planning flights every Wednesday and Sunday.
Bill Hauf, the company’s president, said Wednesday’s flight was only a third full, but he said they already have requests for reservations into next year.
“Right now, Cuba is suffering from a lack of an adequate number of hotel rooms, probably a major reason U.S. hoteliers aren’t in Cuba,” said Hauf.
With the possibility of eased travel restrictions, including vacationing on the island, more business and investment opportunities could be coming to central Florida.
Authorized travelers may return to the United States with up to $100 worth of alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba in accompanied baggage, for personal use only.
Estevez will visit Old Havana, Central Havana, the Malecon (seawall), spots with notable architecture, forts, Plaza de la Revolucion and the Tropicana Nightclub.
U.S. officials said they will allow cruises to Cuba. Carnival Cruise Lines will start cruises from Miami next May.
Critics of the new diplomacy are skeptical that the Cuban people will benefit from the changes, but central Florida residents with family members in Cuba think it's a good start.
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