Travelers from the mid-Atlantic and Central Florida will soon have a direct connection to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as Southwest Airlines prepares to launch daily nonstop flights to St. Thomas in early 2026. The announcement marks a significant boost for the territory’s tourism sector, expanding access from two key markets — Baltimore/Washington International and Orlando International — to Cyril E. King Airport.
The new routes begin Feb. 5, 2026, from Orlando, with Baltimore flights taking off two days later on Feb. 7. Tickets are already available for purchase at Southwest.com.
Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte called the announcement a major win for the territory in a statement Tuesday morning. “The launch of nonstop service from Baltimore enhances our connectivity to the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding mid-Atlantic region — an important and growing market for the U.S. Virgin Islands. At the same time, the new Orlando route deepens our reach into Central Florida, a high-traffic hub for both domestic and international travelers,” Boschulte said. “Together, these additions significantly strengthen our presence along the East Coast and provide travelers with even more convenient, direct access to the beauty and warmth of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The new flights are part of a broader rollout by Southwest, which recently unveiled a major shift in its boarding and seating policy, including the option for travelers to select assigned and premium seats starting Jan. 27, 2026. The St. Thomas route is the first of three new destinations Southwest is expected to reveal this summer as it continues to grow its footprint in the Caribbean.
Southwest’s expansion comes at a time when the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to climb the ranks of must-visit tropical destinations. With no passport required for U.S. citizens and a reputation for stunning beaches, rich culture, and easy domestic access, the territory has become an increasingly attractive option for leisure and business travelers alike.
For more information about travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit VisitUSVI.com.
