Los Angeles was one of 10 cities receiving tentative approval from the federal government Thursday for scheduled commercial airline service to Havana, as the United States moves forward with efforts to normalize relations with Cuba.

Los Angeles was chosen by the U.S. Department of Transportation along with Atlanta, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Newark, New York City, Orlando and Tampa. Up to 20 daily flights between the United States and Havana could begin operating by fall.

Eight airlines were chosen by the DOT to offer the flights: Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United.

“Today we take another important step toward delivering on President Obama’s promise to reengage Cuba,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Restoring regular air service holds tremendous potential to reunite Cuban American families and foster education and opportunities for American businesses of all sizes.”

According to the DOT, the cities chosen as bases of travel to Havana were selected based on their importance as aviation hubs and their proximity to “areas of substantial Cuban-American population.”

The selections of cities and airlines are tentative, with a public review period lasting through the end of the month, and a final decision expected later this summer.

>> Want to read more stories like this? Get our Free Daily Newsletters Here!