Airlines and Aviation

Two distinctive aircraft arrived at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, giving aviation enthusiasts in St. Kitts a rare look at JetBlue’s Dominican-themed Airbus A320 and interCaribbean’s new Embraer E170.

Passengers booked on the affected flights will be moved to alternative same-day Caribbean Airlines services, while other scheduled connections between Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados will continue.

The seasonal twice-weekly service will begin on 20 December 2026, giving travellers in the New York area direct access to South Caicos for the first time.

The airline’s colourful aircraft tails reflect the region’s culture and natural beauty while its growing network connects 28 cities across 17 countries and territories.

The airline added 72 flights between July 16 and August 31, providing 7,565 additional seats as demand increased during the peak summer travel period.

Scheduled airline capacity across the Caribbean fell by 4.2% in July 2026, removing about 200,000 seats and raising concerns over regional connectivity, tourism and economic activity.

The cargo flight, operated by Atlas Air on behalf of Caribbean Airlines, landed safely at Norman Manley International Airport after declaring an emergency en route from Miami to Kingston.

The US$50 million airfield rehabilitation project at V.C. Bird International Airport has reached a major milestone with the completion of runway paving, while final works remain on track for September.

The newly branded aircraft features the national flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on its tail, promoting the country's tourism, culture and regional identity across the Caribbean.

Contour Airlines will launch direct flights between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago from October 5, operating four days a week with onward connections to San Juan and St. Thomas.

LIAT Air says it is absorbing much of the recent increase in jet fuel costs to limit fare hikes, while continuing to expand regional routes and improve connectivity across the Caribbean.

The new twice-weekly non-stop service is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, making travel easier for business, tourism and family visits between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados.

The Barbados-London flight was cancelled after several cabin crew members were allegedly found unfit for duty following a night of heavy drinking, prompting suspensions and an internal investigation.

Officials confirmed that the missing HI-1145 aircraft has not crashed and its location is known, as regional agencies continue a sensitive, intelligence-led investigation.

The aircraft crashed while attempting to return to La Romana Airport after reporting a technical issue, with investigators now examining the cause of the failed emergency landing.

LIAT Air is reviewing its Caribbean flight schedules monthly in response to rising global petroleum prices, aiming to keep travel affordable while expanding services like its new route to Guadeloupe.

The Airbus A321 struck a person who had entered a restricted area, prompting engine fire, smoke in the cabin, and emergency evacuation of 231 passengers.

Piarco International Airport will remove its domestic departure lounge and route all passengers through a unified “All Gates” system from 24 April 2026, the Airport Authority said.

Caribbean Airlines has appointed an acting chief executive after Nirmala Ramai stepped down seven months into the role, while the company continues its search for a permanent CEO.

Expanded services from Canada align with peak tourism and festival period.