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AA to add 'late night & early morning' flights to Miami-VI route

- Additional flights are part of AA's winter schedule
American Airlines (AA) will soon announce increased flights to the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
The new American Airlines flights will be a late evening arrival from Miami International Airport (MIA) into the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), followed by an early morning departure at 8:00 a.m. from EIS to MIA. Photo: Internet Source
The new American Airlines flights will be a late evening arrival from Miami International Airport (MIA) into the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), followed by an early morning departure at 8:00 a.m. from EIS to MIA. Photo: Internet Source
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI- American Airlines (AA) is increasing flights to the Virgin Islands (VI), a move welcomed by the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA).

These “planned enhancements” are part of AA’s winter schedule, a statement to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) on Sunday, July 20, 2025, informed. 

The new flights will be a late evening arrival from Miami International Airport (MIA) into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), followed by an early morning departure at 8:00 a.m. from EIS to MIA.

“This development is in direct alignment with demand signals identified by the BVIAA and local stakeholders from as early as the launch of American Airlines’ inaugural service,” the statement continued. 

It explained that the schedule adjustments cater to the needs of our local population, business community, and visitors alike, offering greater flexibility and much-needed options for early arrivals into Miami and for connecting late evening flights from Miami into the VI. 

A direct response to a consistent & growing demand

American Airlines resumed direct flights into the Territory on June 1, 2023. On February 1, 2025, the airline successfully operated six flights to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

Back then, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), said the operation of these multiple flights by AA “greatly enhances connectivity between the Virgin Islands and the United States”. He said the increase in air service will facilitate easier access for visitors and residents.

"Starting this winter, American Airlines is offering daily flights out of the Virgin Islands at 8am, returning at 10pm!
This change comes in response to our push to make travel more convenient for YOU. Get ready for exciting journeys ahead!" Hon Rymer stated on his Facebook page on July 19, 2025.

The BVIAA’s statement on Sunday added, “We are pleased that American Airlines has responded to the consistent and growing demand for improved connectivity, and we are proud to continue our close collaboration with them as we work to expand airlift into and out of the Territory.”

An official announcement of these schedule changes will be made by American Airlines soon.

“They do so with the full support and endorsement of the BVI Authorities,” the BVIAA stated.

25 Responses to “AA to add 'late night & early morning' flights to Miami-VI route”

  • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 08:09) Like (23) Dislike (25) Reply
    Further evidence that the vaunted airport runway extension is not needed.
    • Really! (21/07/2025, 10:07) Like (17) Dislike (6) Reply
      @A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI.

      This is a dumb statement. What has taking more planes from the same route have to do with the runway extension???
      A longer runway could mean direct flights to destinations other than Miami and the Caribbean.
      • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 12:16) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
        Because there is NO EVIDENCE that there's an unfulfilled need that requires larger aircraft - period, full stop. Why do you think that the KPMG report on the so-called "Business Case" has been kept secret? The answer is that it will completely vitiate the argument that the capacity to land larger aircraft will increase the airlift. Furthermore, there is ZERO EVIDENCE that a longer runway will draw the larger aircraft that now use San Juan and St. Thomas for flights from larger US cities. The currently used Embraer 175 will hold 75-90 people.

        Show me proof that a plane with a larger capacity will be put into service by any major airline from cities like Chicago, Washington, DC or any NYC airport with EIS as a direct destination.
        • reality (21/07/2025, 14:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          Are you aware that there are presently restriction of weight for take off and landing with the Embraer 175?
          Not to mention in bad weather. Are you aware that in very rainy weather all planes require a longer runway distance to land and come to stop? Our runway is just at the edge of what is legally allowable to avoid accidents for the Embraer 175. So especially in bad weather there is no room for corrective measures if an error occurs.
          With a little longer runway other airlines could use the same size plane or a little larger to offer some competition to lower prices and increase arrivals for the BVI.
          • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 16:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
            I am aware of those factors and their impact on flights utilizing the Embraer. What is your "business case" that even considering them, a longer runway is needed?
          • VG Resident (21/07/2025, 19:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            Reality is that taxes and fees are keeping the airline seat cost high. The reality is that the cost of the extension cannot be absorbed by airline tickets. Reality is the BVI doesn't have the funds to expand the runway. Reality is that most people who fly into the BVI do not want to stay at a hotel but prefer much larger digs. Reality is that the bVI government would not look at a much lower bid to expand the runway from a local firm. I guess there was not enough padding in the bid.
      • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 12:30) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
        You might also consider this: https://www.bvibeacon.com/commentary-economist-weighs-in-on-airport-project/
  • bvibuzz (21/07/2025, 09:11) Like (9) Dislike (22) Reply
    BVI on the move under VIP we not changing them
    • @BviBuzz (21/07/2025, 09:36) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
      so because they negotiating some flights which is not rocket science, you not changing them? Ayo well swallow the cool aid messon. Wah happen to fixing the roads, provide clean portable 24/7 water, and a whole list I could give you but you happy with flights to Miami. Well sah, we are a happy people with mediocrity. No wonder things will never change.
  • Agreeable One (21/07/2025, 09:46) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
    In my humble opinion, if the runway is extended we will be able to accommodate more direct flights from other airports in other states. Jet Blue and Delta are waiting patiently. We just need more hotel rooms to drive the demand for airline seats. That means more visitors, more business, more jobs, more gov revenues, an improved economy overall. Let’s go BVI government, make it happen!
    • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 15:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Being able to accommodate more flights does not mean that there will be more of them. You say that JetBlue and Delta are "patiently standing by," but why would those carriers schedule anything more than weekly flights to Tortola when they are embeded in San Juan and St. Thomas? Think about it; all those carriers would be doing is cannibalizing those two hubs' traffic. There is NO EVIDENCE that there's greater demand for flights directly to the BVI from major US cities. It's a pipe dream.
      • Actually (21/07/2025, 19:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Jetblue operates a feeder jet between San Juan and other Caribbean Islands and would do the same here, so we could actually see at least three flights per day from Jetblue between SJU and EIS.
  • belonger (21/07/2025, 10:06) Like (7) Dislike (6) Reply
    This is wonderful news for us! However, we really need to prioritize expanding the airport and making the necessary upgrades to accommodate larger jets. Additionally, the roads at Beed Island need to be improved. Hopefully direct flights to Atlanta will be next in the near future!
  • Big Richard (21/07/2025, 10:51) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    Leaving an airplane overnight in the BVI? Better lock it up and take the keys.
  • Infrastructure… (21/07/2025, 11:00) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    For the People (and the tourists)!
    Water, water, water!!!
    Roads!!
    Eyesores up and down the island!!


  • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 12:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    And nothing has changed since this November of 2024 editorial: https://www.bvibeacon.com/editorial-government-backpedals-on-airport-transparency/ Note this excerpt: "In July, we were disheartened to hear government officials announce that they had already made up their mind on that point, deciding to proceed even without the benefit of promised public consultations or the completed business case."
  • TruDat! (21/07/2025, 12:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We will get another party??? Asking for a friend.
  • One can (21/07/2025, 12:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do a doc chk up n get back over
  • What? (21/07/2025, 13:24) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    How we gonna finance an airport expansion? Its the wrong move, and we won't be able to finance it..
  • extend the runway... (21/07/2025, 13:36) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    only enough so that AA Embraer plane can safely land and take off when the runway is wet, sun is hot and the wind is strong. We dont need bigger planes from NY or Chicago or London as we cannot accomodate those visitors. Natalio - lets work with the business we have...in 10 years we can rethink again to see if a further extension is necessary.
  • trust (21/07/2025, 13:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's great but lets talk the reality, what happens when it have rainy weather can that flight land in the night with that type of runway we have. To my knowledge don't the airport closed at 10pm this government trying something but safety is the number one priority for the airport smh we does just agree to stuff without putting these vital stuff in place.
  • Rubber Duck (21/07/2025, 14:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So positive news now this deserves a party
  • @capitalist who loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 15:29) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Please keep out of the BVI business. I can guess that you are not from here and don’t want to see the BVI and its people elevates .
    • A Capitalist Who Loves the BVI (21/07/2025, 18:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I DO LOVE THE BVI and its hardworking people. So tell me how your current Premiere, "Dr." Wheatley, who by the way, has his PhD in [drum roll] philosophy is doing for yoou. The man is an economic illiterate. Go listen to a broadcast when he encouraged BVIslanders to build vacation villas because they are a great investment and, I quote: "There are villas that rent for $10,000 per night." He did not say "per week," but "per night," to which bumble-headed Fraser who was sitting next to him said in a stage whisper: "Fact." I challenge you to find one villa in the BVI, even at Oil Nut Bay, that rents for $10K per night.

      So you tell me why the Business Case is being kept under wraps? And do you disagree with the Wickham letter: https://www.bvibeacon.com/commentary-economist-weighs-in-on-airport-project/. Do you remember BVI Airways? What's the new completion date for the Anegada Solar Farm? How about the $5 million deposited into the Bank of Asia?

      No, I'm not from here, but given how your native-born leaders are running this Territory [into the ground], maybe you should listen to someone based upon their reasoned arguments, not whether they are "non-belongers" or not.
  • we the people (21/07/2025, 17:52) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    This kind of progress could never happened under any other government we with vip all the way


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