Ticket prices ‘being factored’ in airport expansion- Hon Kye M. Rymer
Speaking with Director of Communications, Mrs Karia J. Christopher, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, while in London for the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) Meeting there this week, Hon Rymer disclosed that the airport expansion was discussed during meetings held so far.
“We touched on the airport development project as well, and there's still some work to be done there,” he said.
Ticket prices
American Airlines has been offering direct flights to and from Miami and Toronto to the VI since June 1, 2023.
One-way tickets to Miami average around $301, with round-trip tickets averaging $602. Round-trip tickets to Toronto are approximately $1510.
“I understand that the demand is so high that the cost has not come down yet. Any updates on what we can do to ensure that local folks, including myself, can be able to take that flight, that two and a half, three-hour flight, more often?” Mrs Christopher asked the minister.
He replied by saying that the challenge currently being faced is that there is seemingly a “monopoly with American Airlines” as there are not many airplanes that are able to “land from that distance on the runway”.
Hon Rymer, however, said the price is something being factored in terms of the airport expansion, as there will be competition once it is expanded.
“We have quite a lot of airlines that are ready, excited, wanting to come to the Virgin Islands.”
Additional AA flights
Hon Rymer also disclosed that American Airlines will be offering additional flights from mid-December 2025.
“We’re also proud to announce that on the 19th of December, there will be an overnight, a late-night flight and an early morning flight.”
The Virgin Islands is one of eight routes American Airlines will increase operations to from Miami for the Winter season from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
_04.gif)
_03.gif)
Follow Us On
21 Responses to “Ticket prices ‘being factored’ in airport expansion- Hon Kye M. Rymer ”
The reports are SECRET.
What is the reason for the SECRECY?
Hardship of low wages earners suffer, as long as it, the VIP government dictates the people of the B.V.I, their children, and grand children future.
It is very clear to understand that at this time, we don't have the financial means to complete all of the projects already started to complete them. How then can we think that a multi-million $$$$s expansion is a wise decision at this times?
All of the nations of this world are presently jogging for financial cash, and alliance affiliation with powerful financially strong ones, those that we are looking to not excluded.
Who many countries in this world really care, if the B.V.I overload itself with financial debt, if by do so they profit? None. Nada.
How many members of the ruling VIP cabinet government truly cares for the financial ($7.25) struggling low wage earners of the British Virgin Islanders? Of course, Hon. Lorna Smith did recommended $ 8.50, but the splited the $2.50.
In planned intended shortened words of this comment, the Terence B. Lettsome's Airport extension isn't one of our top ten, in my firm, and honest opinion, priority that warrants our urgent must do. Unity, good judgment, fairness, integrity, and justice for all the people of the British Virgin Islands is.
This is exactly what is happening to the BVI's citizens. These people running the government have demonstrated nothing but incompetence on so many prior projects, but the most appalling thing is that they PROMISED that the so-called "business case" would be the significant factor in whether the airport expansion would go forward or not - yet they steadfastly refuse to release it. Every citizen should read this piece in the BVI Beacon by renowned economist Peter Wickham (https://www.bvibeacon.com/commentary-economist-weighs-in-on-airport-project/) and note this excerpt:
"The Virgin Islands government has been assessing the case for the expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island (yet again!). But it seems to be making the same mistakes as previous administrations.
Apparently, the premier thinks that a decision to move ahead is a “piece of cake” and a “no-brainer,” to paraphrase his public utterances on the subject! But at a minimum, he and other House of Assembly members should await the full assessment of the cost-benefit analysis currently being prepared by consultants.
This, in fact, is what his administration (and previous administrations) have pledged to do, only seemingly to renege despite agreements with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Treasury.
The airport expansion would be the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the VI, and it would be advisable for the government to provide the fullest possible information to the electorate rather than engage in obfuscation.
These are the same people who contend that an "audit" is needed to determine how the $5M deposit into the failing Bank of Asia was done - when in fact, it's a simple bookkeeping issue that would take only hours to investigate because it's all wire transfers."
Meanwhile the latest "delegation" travelling to London for yet another meaningless celebration of some obscure bureaucracy is large enough to look like a senior citizen football team. When will the people of the BVI say "enough is enough" and stop voting for these economic idiots and grifters...
I can't understand, why all fees necessary- environmental, mental,food, etc, etc,-can't be factored in the ticket, and /or ferry prices, and have the airlines/ferry companies, make payments directly to government?
Do what you can, Honorable Rymer, to minimize additional fee structures for the traveling public, thereby, enhancing the travel experience!