It’s been more than two years since a Delta flight landed on St. Croix and when the airline returned to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Saturday afternoon, Gov. John deJongh, Jr. and Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty were on hand to greet it on the tarmac and welcome airline officials.

After the flight landed at 4 p.m., passengers were invited to a reception in the lounge with airline and government officials.

In welcoming Delta representatives, deJongh credited Nicholson-Doty’s perseverance in bringing Delta back for a weekly flight every Saturday afternoon until May 10.

“Thank you for the early Christmas gift to St. Croix,” deJongh said.

V.I. Port Authority Director Carlton Dowe said there were several trips back and forth to the mainland to set up a mutually beneficial contract between Delta and St. Croix’s airport. He invited Delta’s Freddy Cid, regional manager for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Caribbean, and Jose Rivera, sales account manager for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Caribbean, to visit the territory frequently and at any time.

“We are bringing the world to St. Croix and St. Croix to the world,” Rivera told the audience. They hope for full flights and a long-lasting relationship, he added.

During the reception, Gov. de Jongh and Nicholson-Doty presented Rivera with a plaque and watch commemorating the Virgin Islands.

Until further notice, Delta will carry as many as 160 passengers a week on a Airbus A320 aircraft to and from St. Croix, Rivera said. Saturday’s incoming flight was full, according to Nicholson-Doty, and the Delta ticket counter was flooded with passengers leaving St. Croix on the return flight.

Over the years, Delta has serviced St. Croix, principally during the tourist season from December to May. In 2012, the carrier discontinued the St. Croix route while continuing to serve St. Thomas.

“We want to think about it like we never left,” Cid said after the reception.