A new air link between the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten launches this week as Contour Airlines adds a twice-weekly regional service starting Monday, October 5.
The carrier will operate the route using a 30-seat regional jet, with flights departing St. Thomas on Mondays and Fridays. Monday departures leave Cyril E. King Airport at 11:35 a.m., touching down in St. Maarten at 12:30 p.m., with the return leg leaving Princess Juliana International Airport at 1:15 p.m. and arriving back in St. Thomas at 2:10 p.m. Friday schedules shift to a 12:35 p.m. departure from St. Thomas, a 1:35 p.m. arrival in St. Maarten, a 2:30 p.m. return departure, and a 3:25 p.m. landing in St. Thomas.
The V.I. Port Authority and Department of Tourism will greet the inaugural arrival with a water salute and formal welcome ceremony on Monday afternoon.
VIPA Executive Director Ava Penn welcomed the addition, saying "Expanding regional air service is a long-term goal for the Port Authority, and strengthens connectivity, supports economic growth, and creates more travel opportunities for residents and visitors alike."
Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King noted that the service strengthens the territory's ties to neighboring Caribbean islands. She described the route as part of efforts to position the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier destination while making travel between islands more seamless.
The Department of Tourism first announced the St. Maarten connection in July. The route marks Contour's second regional service from Cyril E. King Airport, joining existing flights to Dominica.
Direct service between the two islands removes the need for passengers to change planes elsewhere. Officials say the flights could draw both leisure and business travelers while opening another entry point for visitors to the territory, supporting the tourism sector that anchors the local economy.
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