InterCaribbean Launches Nonstop Sint Maarten, Barbados Flights
InterCaribbean Airways has started direct flights from the British Virgin Islands to Sint Maarten and Barbados, launched at an inaugural ceremony on March 8. Officials say the new services will improve regional connectivity, provide easier European and southern Caribbean connections, and fill a gap left by Caribbean Airlines’ recent withdrawal from Tortola.
InterCaribbean Airways formally launched nonstop services from the British Virgin Islands to Sint Maarten and Barbados at an inaugural ceremony on March 8, a move government and tourism officials say will strengthen regional connections and benefit residents who travel frequently across the Caribbean.
The announcement, made in the presence of government ministers, aviation representatives and tourism stakeholders, was highlighted by InterCaribbean founder Lyndon Gardiner, who said the new routes cut travel time and reduce the need for multiple connections. "For years, getting here from the Southern Caribbean meant connections, layovers, and half a day of your life gone," Gardiner said. "What we're adding today is a direct path to and from Barbados into this world, and through Barbados, access to our full Southern Caribbean network.
Dominica, Grenada, Trinidad, St Lucia, St Vincent, and Guyana." Officials framed the expansion as timely after Caribbean Airlines discontinued its Tortola service following a network review. Caribbean Airlines had linked the Virgin Islands with destinations including Trinidad, Barbados and Puerto Rico in 2024 but announced the Tortola route would end effective January 10, 2026.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said InterCaribbean's entry helps plug that gap. "Inter-Caribbean is filling a void that was announced a few months ago, where Caribbean Airlines pulled out of the region, and you have stepped in, and we appreciate you for doing that," he said.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley emphasised practical benefits for residents as well as tourism. Many Virgin Islanders regularly travel for family, business and consular matters to countries like Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia and Barbados. "With Inter-Caribbean as the hub, persons will be able to get to their destinations," Dr Wheatley said, noting improved access to services and shorter travel times.
The BVI Airport Authority noted InterCaribbean's longer-term relationship with the Territory: the carrier established a hub in the Virgin Islands in December 2015 and has since broadened its regional network. Delma Maduro Romney, Director of Administration at the authority, said the airline now connects dozens of cities across the Caribbean, and that Sint Maarten offers useful onward links to Europe while Barbados opens direct access deeper into the southern Caribbean.
Local tourism and business stakeholders say quicker, more reliable air links can help boost visitor numbers, facilitate business travel and make it easier for residents to reach medical, legal and immigration services abroad. Officials will be watching route performance and fares as the new services settle in, while residents and travel agents adapt to the expanded options for regional travel.
Primary source: BVI News