Officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands welcomed Southwest Airlines’ inaugural nonstop flight from Orlando to St. Thomas Thursday at Cyril E. King International Airport, marking the start of the airline’s new direct service to the territory. Local leaders called the arrival a major boost for tourism and the territory’s economy.
The flight received a traditional water salute on the runway before taxiing to the gate, where local officials, airline representatives and media gathered for a press conference. Speakers framed the service as part of a broader effort to expand air connections and improve travel options for both tourists and Virgin Islanders.
“Many times we minimize what it takes to get these things done. It isn’t just one conversation. It’s about building a relationship with our partners at Southwest Airlines, and this is just the beginning,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department, noting the multiyear collaborative effort to bring the carrier to the territory.
Adam Decaire, senior vice president of network planning and network operations control at Southwest Airlines, said the company values “partnerships and long-term relationships” and is “looking forward to many years of serving the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Willard John, chair of the Virgin Islands Port Authority governing board, said the arrival of Southwest’s new service “signifies more than just the arrival of an aircraft” and represents “enhanced connectivity, improved access and new possibilities for our people and our economy,” adding that “consistent and affordable air travel is crucial to Virgin Islands vitality.”
“Southwest Airlines’ decision to begin service to St. Thomas represents a powerful vote of confidence in our islands and our people,” said Senate President Milton E. Potter. He added, “Connectivity is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for economic survival and growth.”
Port Authority officials said the new flights follow years of outreach to the airline at industry route conferences. Those efforts were interrupted when hurricanes hit the territory and delayed further talks, but the parties resumed negotiations that eventually led to the new St. Thomas service.
“The Virgin Islands Port Authority is dedicated to enhancing collaboration with airlines that align with our vision for growth, accessibility and outstanding customer service. We take pride in partnering with Southwest Airlines, and we urge you to take a look at St. Croix for future expansion,” said Carlton Dowe, executive director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
“We are pleased that you have joined us by providing another avenue for people to come to this beautiful territory and experience our greatest resource, the people and hospitality of the Virgin Islands,” Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach said. “I want this partnership to be sustained. Every person you bring here will return affected by this beautiful space, and we look forward to repeat visits,” Roach added.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the new Southwest Airlines service to St. Thomas will help strengthen the territory’s economy and improve access to essential services for residents.
Bryan highlighted the importance of affordable air travel for residents who must fly to the U.S. mainland for health care, family events and other services. “What I really love about Southwest is the affordability it provides to our local people, because we live on an island and we depend so much on services that are offered in the state. So whether it’s a birthday, a christening or, unfortunately, a funeral, our people could go,” he said.
Bryan also linked the new flights to broader workforce development, noting the territory’s need for professionals across multiple sectors. “We need professionals in construction, in health care. We need lawyers. We need doctors. We need everybody,” he said, adding, “We need more people to move here and live here in the Virgin Islands. We have so much work to be done.”
Bryan also emphasized the value of connecting the Virgin Islands with major U.S. markets, highlighting Orlando. The inaugural flight marked the start of Southwest’s new nonstop service from Orlando to St. Thomas. “I think Orlando is the most visited place in the United States. And we want to make sure that we connect the Virgin Islands and that airport, we get some advertisements up so more people can actually recognize the Virgin Islands and come here. This is a great partnership,” he said.
Officials said the new service is expected to increase visitor traffic, strengthen tourism, and give residents more affordable options to travel to the U.S. mainland. Port Authority and tourism leaders noted that additional routes, along with ongoing investments in ferry service and airport infrastructure, will be central to the territory’s long-term plans for economic growth and connectivity.
