Caribbean Airlines' withdrawal from VI being critically assessed- Kurt A.G. Menal
Caribbean Airlines, the region’s largest air carrier, made the decision to suspend its Tortola and San Juan, Puerto Rico routes effective January 10, 2026, as part of its 'Network Optimisation Programme'.
Managing Director of the BVIAA, Mr Kurt A.G. Menal, in a statement to our News Centre on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, said the authority acknowledges the announcement by CAL regarding the discontinuation of its services.
Various options being considered
“The reduced capacity on the EIS–San Juan route has been a high priority for all relevant parties, and the BVIAA has been working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify viable airlift solutions,” Mr Menal said.
He added that “various options are under consideration”; however, the challenge with limited aircraft availability existing among regional carriers is also acknowledged, in addition to regulatory hurdles that affect potential new entrants.
Other regional airlines that currently fly to the Virgin Islands are Winair, Inter Caribbean Airways, and Liat 2020.
CAL’s withrdawal being critically assessed
Caribbean Airlines added the VI to its network just over a year ago, on October 14, 2024. CAL began operations with four flights weekly, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, promising 540 seats in and out of Tortola weekly.
Mr Menal said the BVIAA is also “critically assessing the impact of the withdrawal of Caribbean Airlines on connectivity to the southern Caribbean”.
The BVIAA, in coordination with other local authorities, the statement continued, remains actively engaged with all airline partners to safeguard access and connectivity for the travelling public.
“We wish to reassure the public that the BVIAA, in collaboration with the Airlift Committee of the BVI Tourist Board, continuously reviews and evaluates airlift capacity to align with national needs and regional demand. This commitment will continue to guide our approach as we work toward sustainable, long-term solutions that support the mobility of residents, visitors, and the broader economy.”
Caribbean Airlines has indicated that all customers with confirmed bookings on the affected routes will receive a full refund.
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21 Responses to “Caribbean Airlines' withdrawal from VI being critically assessed- Kurt A.G. Menal”
Consideration of evidence - Caribbean Airlines are no longer flying to the BVI.
End of critical assessment.
Moreover, if the passenger loading is not there to produce a profit, it is more than likely the airline will cut the route from its schedule.
Further, one of the primary factors in an airline starting or stopping a route is the PLF. The Land and Air sides facility are important but the PLF is a critical driver. PLF=Revenue Passenger Miles/ Available Seat Miles X 100.
Bone to pick with yall. Yall take off for America but only come back for a stick of fire. We need you guys to come home mai son.
A famous line from the move “ Field of Dreams” , “ If you build it, he will come.” In regards to the TBLIA runway extension and terminal upgrade, if they are not constructed the BVI will not know if they will come—- needed passenger loading to attract airlines and keep them flying.
1. Why did this announcement appear to catch the public off guard, and what does that say about communication within the sector?
2. Is the current state of the airport such as runway length, terminal capacity, and services adequate for sustaining and attracting regional carriers?
3. Has the Airports Authority conducted any recent audits or assessments of operational efficiency that might shed light on the withdrawal?
4. What is the projected economic loss to the Territory from this withdrawal, and has the BVI prepared a contingency plan?
5. How will reduced airlift affect the tourism sector, especially during high season and major events?
6. Are visitors and residents likely to face higher fares or reduced travel flexibility as a result?