Travel options in the Virgin Islands have expanded again with the announcement by Gulfstream International Airlines that it will begin flying to the territory Nov. 1.
Gulfstream, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the Bahamas, flies to various Caribbean destinations, including Cuba. The airline will expand into the Virgin Islands with 11 round-trips daily between St. Thomas and San Juan and seven between St. Croix and San Juan. It will also fly from San Juan to St. Kitts and St. Maarten.
"The intent of Gulfstream International Airlines to commence inter-island travel in this area is definitely a blessing for residents and visitors alike," acting Tourism Commissioner Monique Sibilly-Hodge said in a statement.
"I can only see the benefits of additional service considering how difficult it has always been to get to the islands. This new airline allows for alternatives to inter-island travel, connections to the mainland and neighboring islands," Hodge said.
Gulfstream International will fly 19-passenger Beechcrafts, according to media reports. The territory also expects additional service this fall from Scenic Air, a Las Vegas-based commuter airline.
Earlier this year, United Airlines announced it will begin flights to the Virgin Islands in the fall. And, according to people in the local tourism industry, both Continental and TWA airlines have expressed interest in flying here.
Three commuter airlines — American Eagle, Cape Air and Air Sunshine — now serve the region.