Chicago's O'Hare begins weekly nonstop flight to Cuba

Officials say O'Hare International Airport has started to offer nonstop charter service between Chicago and Havana, Cuba.

The Chicago Department of Aviation says C&T Charters will fly once from O'Hare to Havana every Friday. O'Hare will have one weekly arrival from Cuba as well.

Earlier this year, U.S. government officials gave O'Hare and seven other airports permission for flights to Cuba as part of a larger effort to reach out to the island nation.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says in a statement that flights to Havana further the city's mission to become more competitive globally.