Three Airlines Exit USVI as Arrivals Fall 12%; St. Croix Hit Harder With 14% Decline

The departure of three air carriers from the Virgin Islands over the past year has resulted in an 8 percent decline in departures and a 12 percent decline in arrivals in 2026, with St. Croix experiencing an even steeper reduction in air traffic. St. Croix recorded an 11 percent decrease in departures and a 14 percent decrease in arrivals, according to figures provided by V.I. Port Authority Interim Executive Director Ava Penn during testimony before the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance. Penn appeared before lawmakers Friday even though VIPA's fiscal year 2027 budget has not yet been approved by its board. The committee learned that the spending plan is not expected to receive board approval until September. The hearing nevertheless gave lawmakers an opportunity to examine the authority's finances, major infrastructure projects and continuing negotiations surrounding the public-private partnership proposed for modernization of the territory's airports. Gittens: St. C...