State-owned Cuban national airline Aerogaviota will resume regular service from the Cuban capital city Havana to Kingston starting Monday, officials have said.

Cuba’s ambassador to Jamaica, Fermin Quinones Sanchez, told the Jamaica Observer on Saturday that after a year-long break in service from Cuba to Jamaica, caused mainly by COVID-19-related issues, the airline would be resuming service five days a week.

“Yes, the airline will be flying again to the southern Caribbean, and Jamaica has been included in the plan,” Quinones Sanchez told the Sunday Observer.

“The airline will work directly with Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism which will be of much benefit to the people of Cuba and Jamaica. We are hoping that there will be positive benefits from the return of Aerogaviota,” Quinones Sanchez continued.

Exclusive booking agents in Jamaica will be Caribbean and Latin Travel Consultant Limited in New Kingston. The craft that will service the route will be an ATR and seats 42. The first flight will leave Havana at 10:40 for Santiago de Cuba, then depart at 12.30 (Havana time) for Kingston, with landing set for 12.30 pm in Kingston. Cuba is an hour ahead of Jamaica by time.

Jamaica and Cuba have been stepping up their tourism products in recent years, with Jamaica reporting record number of visitors to the island this year, which has resulted in more revenue being derived from the sector.

Cuba continues to push its tourism agenda despite the blockade imposed by the United States, which has lasted for over 60 years.

Most of the socialist country’s tourists visit from Europe, Asia, Canada, and the Caribbean.