Airport Expansion To Lower Ticket Costs
While in London for the Joint Ministerial Council, Hon Kye M. Rymer said airport expansion plans are being developed with airfares in mind, and that increased competition is expected once the works are complete. He also confirmed American Airlines will add additional Miami–Virgin Islands flights from mid-December 2025 to meet high winter demand.
Rymer says ticket prices are being considered as part of planned airport expansion works that aim to bring more airlines and greater competition to the Virgin Islands. Speaking on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in London where he attended the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) Meeting, the minister told Director of Communications Mrs Karia J.
Christopher that airport development was discussed during meetings held this week and that “there’s still some work to be done there.” Rymer highlighted that airfares have remained high in part because American Airlines has been the primary carrier operating direct services to Miami and Toronto since June 1, 2023.
Current market averages cited during the exchange show one-way fares to Miami around $301 and round-trip fares near $602, while round-trip travel to Toronto averages approximately $1,510. “The demand is so high that the cost has not come down yet,” Mrs Christopher observed, asking what could be done to make travel more affordable for residents.
Rymer responded that part of the challenge is a de facto monopoly with American Airlines, noting there are not many aircraft that can serve the territory given existing runway and operational constraints. He said fare relief is being “factored in” as part of expansion planning because an improved airport will be able to attract additional carriers. “We have quite a lot of airlines that are ready, excited, wanting to come to the Virgin Islands,” Rymer told Mrs Christopher, adding that increased competition should help moderate prices over time.
He also announced that American Airlines will add more services in the coming weeks, with additional overnight and early-morning Miami–Virgin Islands flights beginning December 19, 2025. The Virgin Islands is one of eight routes for which American will increase Miami operations for the winter season between December 18, 2025, and January 5, 2026.
For residents, an expanded airport with more carriers promises easier access to regional and long-haul destinations, potential reductions in fares, and broader options for medical travel, work and tourism. Rymer cautioned, however, that planning and implementation will take time and that stakeholders must ensure the project delivers tangible benefits for local people and businesses.
Further details on timelines, funding and specific upgrades to runway or terminal infrastructure were not announced; the minister said work on the project is ongoing and will be discussed as plans are finalised.
Primary source: VINO