Cal to Cut More Routes
The Government has directed Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to scale back several loss-making routes after a review found the 2023 expansion into the Eastern Caribbean produced sustained financial shortfalls. Minister Eli Zakour announced route withdrawals and frequency reductions in the Senate on May 22, 2026, saying the moves aim to convert losses into operational savings and stabilise the airline’s finances.
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) will withdraw from several regional markets and reduce frequencies on others following a government-directed review into the carrier’s network, Minister of Transportation and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour told the Senate on May 22, 2026. Zakour said the measures respond to sustained losses on routes launched during a 2023 expansion programme.
That expansion, which was undertaken under the previous board and with support from the prior administration, sought to strengthen regional connectivity but delivered financial results well short of projections, he said. The adjustments announced include full withdrawal from Dominica (overall loss US$0.73 million as at April 2026) and St Kitts (US$1.65 million), discontinuation of the non-stop Guyana and Suriname services (US$1.24 million), and a reduction of weekly frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe from four to two flights (losses of US$1.23 million and US$1.86 million respectively, as at April 2026).
Zakour also reminded senators that other route cuts had already been implemented as part of CAL’s network improvement programme. Jamaica—Fort Lauderdale was discontinued from November 2, 2025 (US$7.2 million in losses) and Trinidad—Puerto Rico from January 10, 2026 (US$4.92 million).
The minister said the combined loss on these routes totals US$18.84 million (in excess of TT$128 million) as at April 2026. The Government established a routes oversight committee last year to evaluate route performance, profitability and strategic alignment. That review concluded several 2023 routes were introduced without adequate commercial justification and have generated sustained losses since inception.
For residents of the British Virgin Islands, the changes may affect travel options to some regional destinations and could lead to schedule adjustments, fewer direct connections and changes in fare dynamics. Tour operators, business travellers and residents who rely on CAL for regional connections should monitor the airline’s website for revised schedules and rebooking or refund information.
The ministry says the discontinuations and frequency reductions are intended to convert ongoing route losses into operational savings and improve CAL’s financial stability. Further details and timelines for the service changes were not included in the Senate statement; the ministry and airline are expected to provide operational notices to affected passengers in due course.
Primary source: VINO