The evening of Thursday December 18, 2025 has been marked as a historical evening for the virgin islands and air travel conectivity follwing the first ever night landing by American Airlines. Photo:Facebook

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) has hailed the inaugural nighttime arrival of American Airlines as a 'major milestone for the Virgin Islands.' Photo: Facebook/File

American Airlines made its first ever nighttime arrival in the Virgin Islands through a direct flight from Miami International Airport to Terrance B. Lettsome International (EIS), Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File

Major milestone for VI 

American Airlines made its first-ever nighttime arrival in the Virgin Islands through a direct flight from Miami International Airport to Terrance B. Lettsome International (EIS).

According to a Facebook post by Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), this marks a "major milestone for the Virgin Islands."

In July of this year, American Airlines (AA) announced its intention to increase flights to the Virgin Islands (VI), a move welcomed by the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA).

As Virgin Island News Online previously reported, "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 AM from EIS to MIA."

New era of connectivity 

This became a reality on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with the arrival of the AA flight into the Virgin Islands at 10:38 PM. 

Minister Rymer added in a short statement on Facebook that, "This inaugural nighttime service expands air access, boosts tourism, welcoming a new era of connectivity."

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Managing Director of the BVIAA, Mr Kurt A.G. Menal, said last night’s first overnight flight by American Airlines is a "proud and exciting moment" for the Virgin Islands.

He added, "This new service brings real, tangible benefits for our people, making travel easier for residents, improving connections for families and business travellers, and offering visitors greater flexibility when choosing the BVI.

"We are grateful to American Airlines for their continued confidence in our destination, and I extend sincere thanks to our dedicated airport and aviation partners whose professionalism and commitment made this milestone possible. Together, we continue to strengthen connectivity and enhance the travel experience for everyone we serve, Mr Menal further remarked.