Cape Air To Nevis on a Cessna 402
Cape Air has expanded its Caribbean network with the launch of new direct flights between St. Croix and Nevis, strengthening regional connectivity and making travel between the two islands more convenient. The twice-weekly service began today, offering flights on Fridays and Sundays with schedules designed to support local and regional travel needs.
The new route operates between the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix and the Vance W. Armory International Airport in Nevis, with departures from St. Croix at 11:40 a.m. on both operating days. The service is expected to benefit Virgin Islanders with family, cultural, and business ties to Nevis, as well as travelers seeking easier inter-island connections.
Improving Intra-Caribbean Travel Options
Tourism officials have welcomed the new service as an important step in improving travel within the Caribbean. The direct connection eliminates the need for lengthy layovers through larger hubs, which have historically added time and expense for travelers moving between neighboring islands.
Officials emphasized that the route creates opportunities in both directions, supporting travel from Nevis to St. Croix as well as from St. Croix to Nevis. This balance is particularly important for family visits, cultural exchanges, and short leisure trips.
Benefits for Residents With Family and Business Ties
For many travelers, the new Cape Air service addresses long-standing challenges associated with inter-island travel. Residents with roots in both St. Croix and Nevis have often been forced to rely on indirect routes, sometimes requiring overnight stays or expensive charter flights.
Several travelers noted that the new direct flight will make it easier to maintain personal and professional connections. Business owners who regularly travel between the islands, as well as families separated by geography, are expected to see immediate benefits from the improved access.
- Reduced travel time between St. Croix and Nevis
- Elimination of overnight layovers through distant hubs
- Lower overall travel costs compared to charter options
- More flexibility for short visits and weekend trips
Convenience for Leisure and Cultural Travel
The new route is also expected to support leisure travel, particularly during peak cultural periods. Travelers from the U.S. Virgin Islands frequently visit Nevis and nearby islands for festivals, holidays, and major events, while Nevisians and Kittitians often travel to St. Croix for family gatherings and shopping.
Passengers highlighted the appeal of a straightforward, point-to-point flight that removes the need to pass through multiple airports. The convenience of a single direct flight is seen as a major improvement for travelers of all ages.
Cape Air’s Growing Caribbean Presence
The St. Croix–Nevis route is part of Cape Air’s broader expansion across the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the airline introduced daily service between St. Thomas and Anguilla, with schedules coordinated to allow for smooth connections at major regional airports.
Cape Air has operated in the Caribbean since 1998, focusing on short-haul inter-island routes using aircraft well suited for regional travel. The airline primarily operates the Cessna 402, a nine-passenger, twin-engine aircraft designed for efficiency and reliability on shorter routes.
From its Caribbean hubs in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, Cape Air operates more than 80 daily flights serving destinations across the region.
- St. Thomas and St. Croix
- Nevis and Tortola
- Vieques and Culebra
- Anguilla and Virgin Gorda
- Mayaguez and other regional destinations
Commitment to Regional Connectivity
Cape Air has stated that the new service reflects its long-term commitment to the Caribbean market. The airline has invested in regional connectivity for more than 25 years, with a significant portion of its operations dedicated to linking island communities with each other and with larger hub cities.
Company leadership noted that the airline plays an important role not only in supporting tourism economies, but also in maintaining strong social and cultural ties between islands. By offering reliable and accessible air service, Cape Air aims to make regional travel more practical for everyday needs.
Support From Nevis Leadership
Nevis officials have also welcomed the launch of the new route, describing it as a response to growing demand for seamless travel between Nevis and St. Croix. The direct connection is expected to support tourism growth, strengthen business relationships, and deepen people-to-people connections across the region.
The service is seen as another example of how strategic airlift can contribute to economic development while enhancing quality of life for residents with cross-island ties.
A Legacy of Growth in Regional Aviation
Now in its 35th year of operation, Cape Air has grown into one of the largest commuter airlines in the United States. The employee-owned company began with just three daily flights between Boston and Provincetown in 1989 and has since expanded to serve dozens of destinations across the mainland United States and the Caribbean.
Today, Cape Air operates a fleet of 98 aircraft, conducts more than 250 flights each day, and transports approximately 400,000 passengers annually. The addition of the St. Croix–Nevis route continues this legacy of growth while reinforcing the airline’s focus on regional connectivity.
As the new service settles into operation, travelers and tourism officials alike are optimistic that the direct flights will deliver lasting benefits for both islands and the wider Caribbean region.