WINAIR explores direct flights to Virgin Gorda

WINAIR, a regional airline with a long history in the Caribbean, is considering adding direct flights to Virgin Gorda.

The airline’s CEO, Hans van de Velde, shared this information during an interview with JTV recently.

During the interview, van de Velde explained that WINAIR has been operating for more than 63 years and currently flies to Tortola, the largest of the BVI’s islands. However, after discussions with local authorities, the airline is exploring opening a direct route to Virgin Gorda.

“Discussing with all the parties this morning, we thought, well, why not open a route to Virgin Gorda?” van de Velde said. He noted that Virgin Gorda offers a unique tourist experience that could attract international visitors. “The tourist product that’s offered on Virgin Gorda, it could attract quite some international customers,” he added.

Virgin Gorda is renowned for its luxury resorts and stunning natural attractions, including The Baths, a popular destination for international tourists. Many visitors travel through St Martin before arriving in the BVI, making WINAIR’s connections through the island a crucial part of the region’s tourism.

Van de Velde revealed that the idea for direct flights to Virgin Gorda came up during discussions with the BVI Airports Authority and Tourist Board. “It’s a brainstorm idea,” he explained, “but I have to say that both the tourist office and ourselves thought it would be worth having a look into.”

WINAIR already operates flights to several Caribbean destinations, including Antigua, St Kitts, and St Lucia, and is expanding its services. As the CEO noted, the airline’s flexibility allows it to explore new routes based on demand.

“The BVI is really profiting the last one, two years with enormous growth,” van de Velde said. “And we are, of course, proud we can contribute to that.”

This new route could significantly boost Virgin Gorda’s accessibility and attract more international tourists, improving the island’s connection to major hubs like St. Martin.