Air travelers now have a direct link between St. Thomas and St. Barths, thanks to a new Cape Air route that launched this month. The airline, one of America’s largest commuter carriers, began twice-daily service between Cyril E. King Airport and Gustaf III Airport Oct. 20.
The milestone was celebrated Oct. 10 with an inaugural event at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, marking the first scheduled nonstop flights connecting the two islands.
In a press release provided to the Source, Cape Air officials said the new route fills a long-standing gap in Caribbean connectivity, offering travelers — whether arriving by cruise, commercial flight, or private yacht — an alternative to charter flights or ferry transfers when heading to the luxury destination.
“This route represents Cape Air’s commitment to Caribbean connectivity,” said Linda Markham, Cape Air president and CEO. “It’s all about elevating the island travel experience,” the press release explained.
Reliable Travel Across the Caribbean
The service is designed with both regional travelers and international visitors in mind. For luxury tourists and yacht charters, the connection offers an easier way to reach St. Barths from St. Thomas. For Virgin Islands residents, the flights provide a convenient option for quick leisure or business travel to the neighboring French territory.
Alexandra Questel, president of the Territorial Tourism Board of Saint-Barthélemy, welcomed the new route.
“The opening of this new route between St. Thomas and St. Barths represents a meaningful step forward for regional connectivity. We warmly welcome any initiative that enhances access to our island and enriches the travel experience for visitors and residents alike. This new connection simplifies travel, supports local tourism, and brings our Caribbean communities even closer together,” Questel said in the Cape Air press release.
That sentiment was echoed by Rebecca Chace, Cape Air’s director of marketing, in comments provided to the Source.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the launch of Cape Air’s new service between St. Thomas and St. Barths. Starting October 20, 2025, Cape Air will offer year-round twice-daily flights, making it easier than ever to connect these two beautiful islands. There is a large French community on both islands, and with this new service, we can help both the community and tourists alike. Many people need to go back to the States or to San Juan just to get to St. Barths – we’re changing that!”
Strengthening Island Connections
Indeed, there are many historical, cultural, and economic ties between St. Barths and the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially St. Thomas, and a recent story in the Source highlighted some of these connections.
“Because of the maritime trade between the Caribbean islands, St. Thomas became a major attraction for the poverty-stricken migrants from St. Barths, where they could find suitable employment in fishing and in agriculture,” wrote Olasee Davis in the Source article.
Chace noted that she is excited about Cape Air’s ability to connect cultures and locations.
“Together we’re not just connecting destinations – we’re connecting people, cultures, and opportunities across the Caribbean,” Chace said.
“This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our staff, airport partners, and local communities who continue to welcome Cape Air with open arms,” she added.
The new service is operated on Cape Air’s twin-engine aircraft and is available for booking on the official website for Cape Air.
