First commercial US-Havana flight lands as country mourns

November 28, 2016 23:45

Passengers erupted into applause as the first commercial flight from the United States to Havana in more than 50 years landed in Cuba, arriving as the island begins week-long memorial services for revolutionary leader

Fidel Castro.

Cubans saluted the packed American Airlines flight by spraying water from firetrucks above the plane as it taxed along the runway at Jose Marti International Airport in honor of the inaugural voyage.

"It was very emotional for me," said Jonathan Gonzalez, 31, a Cuban-American born in Miami who said it was his third time visiting the island.

Passengers wearing straw hats provided by American Airlines with the word "Cuba" on the back were greeted with welcome signs in various languages but no music.

The visitors are arriving at the same time that tens of thousands begin paying homage to Castro in Havana and a state-sanctioned ban on live music has hushed the capital's usually festive nightlife.

"I'm intrigued to see how the city is after the death of Fidel Castro," said Tamara Cara, 45, an education professional from Puerto Rico on the flight.

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