Beginning June 1, American Airlines will operate the first non-stop service between the United States and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands in the modern era. 

As a result, it will be getting much easier for tourists to visit the British Virgin Islands beginning this summer. The new service will initially run between June 1 and August 14, 2023 before restarting in November. 

The flights will be operating once daily and should result in an estimated 2,218 monthly visitors to the Caribbean destination. American Airlines has been making an effort to connect previously-isolated airports in the Caribbean. 

This began with the first-ever nonstop flights between the United States and Dominica, accompanied by the first-ever flights between the United States and Anguilla. The new three-hour route between Miami and Beef Island Airport could be a game-changer for the British Overseas Territory, which has long been accessible only by regional aircraft or ferry service from St Thomas. 

It is the culmination of years of efforts of tourism officials in the British Virgin Islands to connect the destination with the US, from the star-crossed BVI Airways to continued talks with several carriers in North America. 

Director of Tourism, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission, Clive McCoy was quoted by Caribbean Journal as saying: “As the first nonstop flight from the US in decades, this is a monumental opportunity to bring more North American travelers to the crystal-clear waters of our beloved island-destination. We have one of the most beautiful collections of isles and cays anywhere in the world and look forward to offering our new and returning visitors an assortment of experiences.”