MARATHON – US Customs and Border Protection has denied Key West International Airport’s request to accommodate passenger air service to and from Cuba.
The denial, dated May 25, cites the airport’s lack of proper inspection facilities and appropriate or sufficient federal personnel.
When President Barack Obama eased some restrictions on American travel to Cuba early this year, it raised hopes in Key West that charter flights might soon be able to travel the 90 miles between the two islands. Customs’ decision on the March 22 request temporarily dashed those hopes.
But county Airports Director Peter Horton told the County Commission last week that he’s confident upgrades planned at the airport will clear the path for flights if the long-standing embargo is lifted.
Horton said the airport is working on the first phase, a $250,000 project to improve security. He declined to offer specifics, citing security.
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