JetBlue first major airline to offer direct flights between Cuba, New York

ELMHURST (WABC) -- Passengers call it historic - JetBlue is the first major airline to offer direct flights between Cuba and New York City at JFK Airport after travel restrictions were eased by the White House earlier this year.

Oscar Perez told Eyewitness News that it is the first time he has ever left Cuba. Seeing his family wave the Cuban and American flags outside customs at JFK airport felt like a dream to him - a dream he never imagined would actually come true.

The Ojito family welcomed their mother and grandmother from Havana on Friday night. They are thankful for the freedom for the first time in at least 50 years.

"I think it's nice - I can see my family from Cuba. Before it was harder, now they can just fly straight to New York," says Martha Ojito.

While the flights are operated by JetBlue, they are being offered by Cuba Travel Services, so travelers should make arrangements directly with that carrier.

The weekly charter flights will leave JFK at noon each Friday, and return to JFK at 8 at night.