Southwest Airlines is set to significantly enhance Caribbean travel with major new flight expansions to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This strategic move introduces nonstop services to St. Thomas from key hubs in Florida and Maryland, promising unparalleled ease and convenience for travelers. The initiative reflects a growing demand for direct access to the Caribbean and solidifies the U.S. Virgin Islands’ position as a premier, accessible tropical destination, boosted by this significant airline expansion.
These eagerly awaited new St. Thomas flights will connect Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) directly to Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Commencing in early 2026, daily nonstop flights are scheduled to begin from Orlando on February fifth, followed by Baltimore on February seventh. This direct connectivity is poised to dramatically reduce travel times and eliminate the complexities of connecting flights, marking a significant improvement for those seeking seamless journeys and enhanced Caribbean travel.
The decision by Southwest Airlines to introduce nonstop air service is a calculated measure to boost visitor convenience and overall accessibility. By removing the need for layovers, travelers will experience a more streamlined and comfortable journey, allowing them to arrive refreshed and ready to explore the US Virgin Islands. For individuals yearning for pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and the serene ambiance of island life, reaching the U.S. Virgin Islands has now become an even more attractive and straightforward prospect.
Central Florida, already a bustling travel nexus, represents a crucial gateway for both domestic and international air traffic. The establishment of daily service from Orlando, specifically offering new Florida routes, enables the U.S. Virgin Islands to effectively tap into this robust and established tourism market. This direct route is expected to draw a substantial influx of visitors, not only from Florida itself but also those connecting through one of the nation’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs, further supporting the airline expansion.
Similarly, the Baltimore/Washington corridor holds considerable potential as a departure point for travelers originating from the Mid-Atlantic region, including areas like the Delmarva Peninsula. The new Baltimore route unlocks access for millions of prospective visitors residing in and around Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This region has demonstrated an escalating interest in Caribbean travel, and now residents can enjoy swift, daily connections to an idyllic island escape, thanks to these new St. Thomas flights.
This announcement underscores the U.S. Virgin Islands’ ongoing dedication to expanding its tourism sector and making travel to the territory increasingly efficient and appealing. In recent years, the region has made remarkable advancements in bolstering its airlift capacity and forging new alliances with prominent air carriers. This latest collaboration with Southwest Airlines builds upon that progress, bringing the destination within closer reach for a vast demographic of potential tourists and solidifying the US Virgin Islands’ appeal.
Beyond the immediate convenience for travelers, the new flights are anticipated to generate significant positive ripple effects on the territory’s economy. A predictable increase in visitor arrivals is projected to stimulate heightened demand across various sectors, including accommodations, dining establishments, tour operators, and local businesses offering unique experiences. With daily St. Thomas flights consistently channeling new visitors, the hospitality and service industries stand to benefit from a sustained boost in economic activity for the US Virgin Islands.
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