InterCaribbean Airways Launches New Nonstop Routes from Tortola to Barbados and St Maarten to Revolutionize Caribbean Travel

Published on December 23, 2025

InterCaribbean Airways has officially announced the launch of a new nonstop service linking Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) directly with Barbados and St Maarten. The flights will begin operating on March 8 2026, offering travellers faster and more convenient access between the Northern and Southern Caribbean without the need for multiple connections. This strategic expansion enhances regional mobility at a time when Caribbean travel demand is rising and offers significant opportunities for tourism growth and travel convenience.

Main Details of the New Nonstop Service

InterCaribbean Airways will operate seven weekly flights between Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) in Tortola and Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados. Of these, four flights per week will be nonstop between Tortola and Barbados. The other three flights per week will serve St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), providing nonstop service between Tortola and St Maarten.

The airline plans this service as part of a wider network strengthening effort. By expanding flights from its Tortola hub, interCaribbean aims to facilitate seamless regional travel for passengers across the Caribbean. These flights are now open for booking via the airline’s official website or through travel agents.

InterCaribbean Airways Overview and Network Role

InterCaribbean Airways is a regional airline headquartered in the Turks and Caicos Islands that operates passenger flights across multiple Caribbean destinations. Its growing fleet—now including turboprop aircraft such as ATR models—supports these new routes, and its efforts focus on increasing connectivity within the island nations.

Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport has become a key regional hub for the airline, while Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport serves as a major gateway in the Southern Caribbean. These airports will play central roles in the new nonstop services.

Expanded Connectivity for the Caribbean Region

What These Flights Offer Travellers

The new nonstop flights create direct links between major Caribbean islands that traditionally required indirect routing. This expansion means passengers from the BVI can now easily reach Barbados and St Maarten without connecting via other islands or making multiple stops. Travellers heading south to Barbados gain smoother access to a hub with extensive connections throughout the Southern Caribbean.

In addition to direct routes, these flights support onward accessibility. For example, customers from Tortola can use Barbados as a springboard to other markets such as Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia, Trinidad, and St Vincent. Likewise, passengers from Barbados and the Southern Caribbean will find it easier to reach the Northern Caribbean, including St Maarten and the British Virgin Islands.

Benefits for Leisure Travellers

Faster Access to Iconic Caribbean Destinations

For leisure travellers, the nonstop service means faster travel times and less complex journey planning. Tourists looking to explore beaches, resorts, and cultural sites in Barbados and St Maarten will benefit from these direct routes. Eliminating layovers improves flexibility for shorter holiday visits or beach escapes.

Improved Connections for Multi‑Island Trips

Travellers planning multi‑island itineraries can now design more efficient Caribbean circuits. For example, a trip could start in Tortola, proceed to Barbados, and then continue to other Southern Caribbean locations, or vice versa—without long detours or crowded connecting hubs.

Better Access for BVI Residents and Visitors

This new service reinforces tourism flows into the British Virgin Islands. Visitors from Barbados or St Maarten now have direct routes to Tortola, making it easier to incorporate Tortola into broader Caribbean travel plans. Residents of the BVI also gain straightforward access to events, leisure, and cultural experiences in Barbados and St Maarten.

Benefits for Business and Regional Mobility

Supporting Regional Commerce and Events

Business travellers gain faster connectivity for meetings, conferences, and regional economic activities. The enhanced air links support not only tourism but also commercial engagement across island markets. Frequent and reliable services can encourage business travel between financial and service hubs in the Caribbean region.

Greater Travel Options and Flexibility

With multiple weekly departures, travellers enjoy greater choice in scheduling. Whether planning visits for holidays, business, or family events, the increased flight frequency adds flexibility and expands capacity across peak and off‑peak seasons.

Considerations and Potential Limitations for Travellers

Cost and Availability Factors

Although nonstop flights reduce travel time, prices may vary depending on demand, seasonality, and booking windows. Travellers should compare fares and assess whether direct flights align with their budgets compared to connecting options.

Comfort and Aircraft Type

The service will typically use regional turboprop aircraft suited to shorter regional hops. While functional and efficient, these aircraft offer different onboard experiences than larger jets used on long‑haul flights. Passengers preferring larger aircraft or premium services may have limited options on these routes.

Travel Documentation and Entry Requirements

Travellers must ensure they meet passport, visa, and health entry requirements for Barbados, St Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. Regional travel documentation can vary, so visitors should verify requirements before departure to avoid delays at immigration. Verification with official government or embassy sources is recommended.

Conclusion

The launch of new nonstop service from Tortola to Barbados and St Maarten by InterCaribbean Airways marks a major enhancement in Caribbean regional travel. Starting March 8 2026, the flights will simplify travel for both leisure and business passengers, offering direct access between key island destinations. Travellers will benefit from faster journeys, improved connectivity, and expanded travel opportunities across the Northern and Southern Caribbean. While cost factors and aircraft types may influence individual experiences, the overall expansion delivers a significant boost to travel convenience and regional mobility, setting the stage for more vibrant Caribbean tourism and stronger inter‑island links.