ST. THOMAS — Contour Airlines will launch nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten on Monday, October 5, adding another regional air connection from Cyril E. King Airport as the territory continues efforts to expand travel options within the Caribbean.
The inaugural flight from Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten is scheduled to arrive in St. Thomas at 2:10 p.m. The V.I. Port Authority and V.I. Department of Tourism plan to welcome the aircraft with a water salute and arrival ceremony.
The new route will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays aboard Contour Airlines’ 30-seat regional jet aircraft.
“VIPA is pleased to welcome Contour Airlines and this new connection between St. Thomas and St. Maarten,” said VIPA Executive Director Ava Penn. “Expanding regional air service is a long-term goal for the Port Authority, and strengthens connectivity, supports economic growth, and creates more travel opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
The Monday schedule calls for flights to depart St. Thomas at 11:35 a.m. and arrive in St. Maarten at 12:30 p.m. Return service leaves St. Maarten at 1:15 p.m. and arrives at Cyril E. King Airport at 2:10 p.m.
On Fridays, Contour is scheduled to leave St. Thomas at 12:35 p.m., arriving in St. Maarten at 1:35 p.m. The return flight is scheduled to depart St. Maarten at 2:30 p.m. and reach St. Thomas at 3:25 p.m.
Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King said the addition supports the territory’s broader push to improve connections with neighboring Caribbean destinations.
“Expanding regional air connectivity is an important part of strengthening the U.S. Virgin Islands’ position as a premier Caribbean destination,” Ms. Matarangas-King said. “This new service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten makes it easier for travelers to experience two vibrant Caribbean destinations while creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. We are pleased to welcome Contour Airlines to St. Thomas and look forward to building on this connection with our neighbors across the region.”
The Department of Tourism initially announced the St. Maarten service in July, setting an October 5 launch date and describing the route as part of continued efforts to increase regional airlift and make travel between Caribbean destinations more convenient.
The St. Maarten route also expands Contour’s presence at Cyril E. King Airport. The airline already provides service between St. Thomas and Dominica, giving travelers another Contour-operated connection within the Caribbean.
Officials say the new St. Maarten flights could benefit both leisure and business travelers while providing another avenue for visitors entering the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism remains the territory’s dominant economic sector, making additional airlift particularly important to hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers and other businesses tied to visitor activity.
Princess Juliana International Airport is one of the region’s major aviation gateways, serving St. Maarten and providing access to several neighboring islands. The direct Contour service eliminates the need for travelers between St. Thomas and St. Maarten to connect through another airport.
The first flight is scheduled to arrive Monday afternoon, when VIPA and Tourism officials will formally welcome Contour’s newest regional route to St. Thomas.
