Managing Director of the BVI Airport Authroity, Mr Kurt A.G. Menal said they are critically assessing the withdrawal of Caribbean Airlines from the Virgin Islands effective January 2026. Photo: Facebook/File

Caribbean Airlines announced its decision to remove Tortola from its route as part of the company's Network Optimization Programme. Photo: CAL

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.