Southwest Airlines Is Launching Two New Daily Nonstop Routes to the US Virgin Islands
It just got even easier to get to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Southwest Airlines has officially confirmed the launch of new daily nonstop flights to St Thomas from two major U.S. gateways: Orlando (MCO) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
The new service begins early next year, with flights from Orlando starting February 5, 2026, and Baltimore flights taking off February 7, 2026. All flights will land at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St Thomas, a key hub for travel throughout the USVI.
The news comes a few weeks after Southwest revealed the addition of the US Virgin Islands as its newest destination, as Caribbean Journal reported.
Another Big Boost for the US Virgin Islands
The expansion brings a significant boost to the territory’s airlift, offering direct connections from two of the most important travel markets on the East Coast — Central Florida and the Mid-Atlantic.
“The launch of nonstop service from Baltimore enhances our connectivity to the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding Mid-Atlantic region—an important and growing market for the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte. “At the same time, the new Orlando route deepens our reach into Central Florida, a high-traffic hub for both domestic and international travelers.”
The addition of Southwest also marks a milestone for the Department of Tourism’s broader strategy, reflecting months of behind-the-scenes work to expand the territory’s footprint in key feeder markets.
“These additions significantly strengthen our presence along the East Coast and provide travelers with even more convenient, direct access to the beauty and warmth of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Boschulte said. “This further reiterates the Territory’s growing prowess as a premier destination.”
For the USVI, it’s another win in a year marked by surging interest, steady visitor arrivals, and growing recognition of the islands as a top-tier Caribbean getaway.
What About Fares?
The flights are already bookable, we have confirmed. Orlando-St Thomas are now on sale, starting at $323 roundtrip in Southwest Airlines’ “choice” seats. From Baltimore, you can fly nonstop to St Thomas for $398 in choice, according to the Southwest website. That’s for flights in mid-February.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
