InterCaribbean Airways had its inaugural direct flight from Barbados to Tortola on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Photo: Facebook/JTV Channel 55

Mr Lyndon Gardiner, Chairman of interCaribbean Airways (middle) said the Virgin Islands (VI) has become one of the airline’s most important homes. Photo: Facebook/JTV Channel 55

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) (left) said InterCaribbean Airways is opening up the Virgin Islands to major Southern Caribean markets. Photo: Facebook/JTV Channel 55

The airline, which celebrated ten years of service to the Virgin Islands (VI) in December 2025, will operate the Barbados–Beef Island (Tortola) route three times weekly- Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

VI now at the middle of the map- Mr Lyndon Gardiner

During a short ceremony directly after the landing of the aircraft at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport, Lyndon Gardiner, Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, said the Virgin Islands (VI) has become one of the airline’s most important homes. 

“For years, getting here from the Southern Caribbean meant connections, layovers and half a day of your life gone. 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, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and Guyana.”

The VI, he added, is no longer at the edge of the map but rather the middle of it. 

In return, Mr Gardiner said Tortola gives “community, warmth, travellers who are loyal, who come back, who tell their friends”. 

According to him, this is the foundation on which a route is built. 

“This is why we keep investing here.”

InterCaribbean filling a void- Hon Rymer

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) told InterCaribbean that the VI appreciates the service provided and assured that any challenges that may arise will be resolved as is customary. 

“I just want to also acknowledge that InterCaribbean is filling a void that was announced a few months ago, where Caribbean Airlines pulled out of the region, and you have stepped in. We appreciate you for doing that.”

InterCaribbean is also opening up the VI to major markets in the Southern Caribbean, Hon Rymer said. 

“We welcome that.”

The minister said the government and InterCaribbean are continuing discussions and will make a “major announcement” later. 

InterCaribbean will introduce a twice-weekly service between Tortola and St Maarten, operating on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The ceremony was also attended by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4) and Director of Tourism Mr Clive L. McCoy.