Broward to vote on opening airport, port up to Cuba travel

On Tuesday, County Commissioners will vote on whether to ask the federal government to designate the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as a point of entry for flights to and from Cuba. County officials also want to designate Port Everglades as another point of entry.

Low cost carriers at the airport ``can offer travelers an economical alternative to travel to Cuba that they might otherwise not be able to afford,'' states a draft letter written by County Mayor Stacy Ritter to the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The airport is expanding its Customs and Border Protection facilities to double capacity to process international passengers by the end of the year.

Just this year, the U.S. government eased travel restrictions to Cuba, allowing those who have family there to visit more frequently.

There are more than 100,000 residents of Cuban descent in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Broward's chances of approval from the federal government -- as well as a timetable for a decision -- are unknown.

Several cities have expressed interest in expanding service to Cuba since President Barack Obama lifted restrictions and allowing Cuban-Americans to travel.

Currently three airports have such approval: Miami, Los Angeles and New York-Kennedy. Key West and Tampa have also shown interest.

Spirit Airlines and JetBlue have both expressed an interest in flights, airport spokesman Greg Meyer said. If the county is approved as a point of entry, then airlines would have to request rights to fly to Cuba.

Aviation and Port directors proposed the item which commissioners will consider at their meeting which starts at 10 a.m.