New York, Mar 18, (RHC), – The first direct charter flights between New York City and Cuba are now taking off, the Associated Press reports.

Cuba Travel Services has started offering a weekly Tuesday charter between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Havana. The flights are operated by Sun County Airlines, and cost $849 round-trip. The price includes airfare, Cuban medical insurance and U.S. departure taxes.

The new flights come amid an expected increase of US travelers to Cuba, following the Obama administration's easing of travel restrictions to the Caribbean island.

However, leisure travel to Cuba remains out of reach for Americans. Travelers must still declare a purpose that fits into one of the 12 approved categories, including family visits, government work and journalism. But most visitors no longer need to apply for a special license and wait for U.S. government approval.