Washington, October 1 (RHC)-- The International Airport Baltimore-Washington, located in the U.S. state of Maryland, has joined the list of from the U.S. to Cuba.

Speaking to reporters, Steve Schulz, one of the passengers of the inaugural flight, said that the new direct route between Washington and Havana is a key initiative for access to markets in the Caribbean nation.

The new charter airline Swiss Air, in conjunction with the tour operator Travel and Tours Island located in Florida, flies twice a week and takes just over three hours.

A company spokesman said that U.S. citizens cannot travel to Cuba for tourism, but must certify that they travel to Cuba for authorized reasons -- including family visits, educational or religious programs, official activities, journalism, research or artistic presentations.