CHICAGO — The U.S. Department of Transportation tentatively awarded United Airlines nonstop flights to Havana from its global gateways in New York/Newark and Houston. Flights are set to begin this fall.

“These flights open the door to a new world of travel and opportunities for our customers,” said Oscar Munoz, United’s President and CEO. “We are proud of the important and historic role our airline will play in connecting the U.S. and Cuba, as commercial air travel takes flight between these countries for the first time in more than 50 years.”

United expects to begin its first flight to Cuba from New York/Newark and Houston later this year, which would make it one of the first U.S. airlines to provide commercial service to Havana, and the first airline to offer U.S.-Havana service from outside Florida.