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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Three Airlines to Expand Service to St. Thomas

Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty at a 2016 Senate hearing (Photo by Barry Leerdam for the V.I. Legislature)

Three scheduled carriers will soon increase air service to St. Thomas, reported U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

The commissioner announced that following the meetings with airline partners over the past few months, Spirit Airlines will increase its Fort Lauderdale-St. Thomas frequency to daily — effective Saturday, March 10.

Due to strong bookings on the Atlanta-St. Thomas route, Delta Air Lines will reinstate its daily service from New York to St. Thomas, effective May 24.

JetBlue Airways will operate a second daily flight from to San Juan to St. Thomas from Feb. 15. The airline will provide daily options for travelers between Boston and St. Thomas (between Feb. 15 to May 1) over San Juan.

“We are very encouraged by these new developments,” said the commissioner, who explained that while hotels and resorts rebuild and prepare to welcome stay-over visitors back to the territory, a strong demand for air seats is being generated by guests staying at inns, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels; villas, apartments, condominiums and other rental properties; timeshares; and yachts as well as professionals working in the construction industry, and Virgin Islanders traveling to and from the islands.  

Nicholson-Doty said that efforts are continuing to increase airlift to both airports, on St. Croix and St. Thomas.

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp thanked the respective airline partners for their commitment to the territory, and explained that his administration was making every effort to ensure there was adequate air access between the territory’s airports and the U.S. mainland.

“It’s really encouraging to see the continued demand in the marketplace for the U.S. Virgin Islands, as we continue making strides in our recovery from September’s back-to-back hurricanes. The resilience of our people and our territory is undeniable, and we’re grateful to our airline partners for making their continued contributions to our recovery,” Mapp said.

With the latest flight additions, the U.S. Virgin Islands is now being served by approximately 13,000 seats each week – 9,000 to St. Thomas and 4,000 to St. Croix (not including intra-island service).

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