Jacksonville not getting flights to Cuba — yet

With the announcement that U.S. airlines can begin applying for flight routes to Cuba, Florida airports are in an ideal position to get some of that business.

But for Jacksonville International Airport — and other airports, for that matter — it's up to the airlines who apply to the federal government for the routes to decide if Northeast Florida will be in on the action.

With last week's announcement, Jacksonville Aviation AuthorityDirector of Marketing Barbara Haverstadt said it's a little early to know which airlines will be awarded flights and between which airports.

That being said, JIA has made efforts to put itself in the running.

“We're always talking to any airline that will listen,” Halverstadt said. “As with any new service, we're trying to build service to Jacksonville as much as we can.”

With its position as a hot spot for business and tourism, Cuba is of particular interest to the Aviation Authority.

“Cuba is an interest to many people,” Halverstadt said. “I can't comment on whether any airlines are having discussions with us, but it's certainly something that's of interest to a lot of folks.”