Sunrise Airways launched direct flights between the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic with its inaugural flight from Santo Domingo to Beef Island on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Below: The Virgin Islands welcome delegation along with the representatives of Sunrise Airways at Platinum Lounge at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on April 16, 2026. Photos: VINO

The aircraft being used by Sunrise Airways for the route is an Embraer ERJ140 regional aircraft jet and features one class of service with maximum seating for 30 passengers. Photo: Sunrise Airways

Passengers of the inaugural flight of Sunrise Airways to Beef Island on April 16, 2026, being escorted to the airport terminal by a welcoming delegation that included Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, in conversation with Head of Marketing and Communication at Sunrise Airways, Rafael Rincon Montisano at the launch ceremony at Platinum Executive Lounge at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on April 16, 2026. Photo: VINO

Some of the representatives of Sunrise Airways at the launch ceremony at Platinum Executive Lounge at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on April 16, 2026. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, expressed 'sincere thanks' to Sunrise Airways for choosing the Virgin Islands and for recognising the potential of this market. Photo: VINO

Head of Marketing and Communication at Sunrise Airways, Rafael Rincon Montisano said the Virgin Islands occupies a distinctive and influential position within the region as ‘our premier tourism destination and international respected business centre’. Photo: VINO

Sunrise Airways launched direct flights between the two countries with its inaugural flight from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to Beef Island in the Virgin Islands on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Flights will operate twice-weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, with departure times from Santo Domingo being 8:00 AM on Thursdays and 1:00 PM on Sundays, and departure times from Beef Island being 9:45 AM on Thursdays and 1:45 PM on Sundays. The estimated flight time is one hour.

New service ‘deeply appreciated’- Premier Wheatley

“This new service is deeply appreciated by our community. The Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic share a long and meaningful relationship. Many families in our Territory have strong ties to the DR, and they will certainly appreciate the convenience these direct flights will offer them to visit loved ones, conduct business, and maintain the bonds that unite our peoples,” Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated at the launch ceremony at Platinum Executive Lounge at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport.

According to Premier Wheatley, the VI is currently strengthening its trade and commercial relations with the Dominican Republic, and these flights will open timely opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals travelling between Beef Island and Santo Domingo, and seeking connections to other destinations.

Dr Wheatley expressed “sincere thanks” to Sunrise Airways for choosing the Virgin Islands and for recognising the potential of this market, adding that the VI is bursting with opportunity - not only for travel between Beef Island and Santo Domingo, but also for broader intra-regional connectivity and travel to the US mainland.

“I wish to encourage Sunrise to explore additional BVI routes within the Caribbean, where there is strong demand from our residents, many of whom are Caribbean nationals who would welcome more options to visit family or manage business across the region. As the Virgin Islands continues to deepen its engagement with CARICOM, the need for reliable intra-regional travel will only grow – particularly travel for business.”

The aircraft being used by Sunrise Airways for the route is an Embraer ERJ140 regional aircraft jet and features one class of service with maximum seating for 30 passengers.

“More seats mean more convenience, more flexibility, more travellers – and hopefully lower fares, for travellers,” Premier Wheatley added.

‘Premier tourism destination & respected international business centre’

Head of Marketing and Communication at Sunrise Airways, Rafael Rincon Montisano, said the VI occupies a distinctive and influential position within the region as “our premier tourism destination and internationally respected business centre.”

He said integrating the VI into Sunrise Airways network enhances access for corporate travellers, investors, government officials and visitors, while supporting economic resilience and diversification.

“Beyond economics, this service strengthens people-to-people connections between the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. Increased accessibility encourages cultural exchange, supports family and diaspora travel and deepens regional collaboration.”

‘Special promotion fare’

As part of its launch celebration, Sunrise Airways has introduced a special promotion fare of $199 for one-way travel between Santo Domingo and Beef Island.

Originally founded in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 2012, Sunrise Airways initiated scheduled service to/from Santo Domingo in November 2013. The airline expanded its intra-Caribbean route network to include Eastern Caribbean states in May 2024.

Among the delegation welcoming the inaugural flight of Sunrise Airways to the VI were Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), along with representatives of the BVI Airports Authority and the BVI Tourist Board.