In October 2024, Caribbean Airlines launched new flights connecting the Virgin Islands to Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua and Puerto Rico.
Now, it is cutting them.
Effective Jan. 10, the Trinidad-based airline will discontinue its VI and Puerto Rico service following “comprehensive evaluations of route performance and resource deployment,” it announced last Tuesday.
The airline added that the changes are part of a broader regional reshuffle: Its ongoing Network Optimisation Programme, it stated, is designed to “enhance schedule reliability, maintain competitiveness” and ensure sustainability over the long term.
“Customers with confirmed bookings to or from the VI and Puerto Rico after Jan. 10, 2026, are being contacted directly and will receive full refunds where applicable,” the airline stated.
As part of the broader “optimisation programme,” the carrier also plans to restructure its Barbados hub from February 2026.
The airline didn’t provide details of that restructuring, but said aircraft and crew stationed in Barbados will transition to operate from Trinidad “to, from and beyond Barbados.”
‘Refined’ schedule
The carrier also promised to continue operating across the northern and eastern Caribbean with a “refined” flight schedule.
“These changes form a critical part of our plan to deliver reliable service while managing our resources responsibly,” said Nirmala Ramai, the airline’s acting CEO.
“Our customers remain our priority, and these adjustments ensure we continue to provide strong regional connectivity, supported by a sustainable and competitive operational model.”
VI flights
At the time of the VI launch, government officials praised the new flights, which they said would strengthen tourism and business links between Tortola and other Caribbean centres.
On a route initially offered four times a week, the Trinidad-based service provided direct flights between Beef Island and San Juan, Antigua and Barbados, with connecting flights on to Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The flights were provided by the airline’s ATR 72-600 aircraft, which carry about 70 passengers.
Last Tuesday, the airline said it will operate its last flight from the VI on Jan. 9.