Flights from Tampa (TIA) to Havana (HAV), Cuba will begin on December 12, 2016 according to Southwest.com.
In August, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a once-daily direct flight on Southwest airlines.
Southwest is one of eight U.S. airlines to begin scheduled flights to Havana in November and December.
"We're thrilled to partner with Southwest Airlines. We have the third largest Cuban-American population in the U.S., so we're a natural market for this service," said Joseph Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport.
"Regular commercial airline flights to Cuba will improve travel for families and will boost economic cultural ties between our two countries," said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor.
Ticket prices for flights from Miami (MIA) to Havana in December cost upwards of $400 USD.
The daily, non-stop flights will depart TIA in the morning. They're tentatively scheduled for 6:15am.
Southwest is offering special low fares to celebrate this historic partnership between the airline, TIA, and Cuba.
Travelers can get one way fares from TIA to HAV as low as $59 if travel is booked by November 20, 2016. Travel dates must be between December 13, 2016 and April 24, 2017.
Southwest is Tampa International's largest airline carrier making up about 35% of all flights. Currently, TIA charters flights to Havana, Santa Clara, Camagüey and Holguín.
Remember, tourism travel to Cuba is still prohibited. There are, however, 12 categories of authorized travel. Click here for details.
