JetBlue just kicked off its first-ever nonstop service to the island of St Kitts, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The landmark service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport touched down at St Kitts’ Robert L Bradshaw International Airport in St Kitts on Thursday. 

The new flights will be operating three times each week, with service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 

“We look forward to continuing to diversify our network, providing our customers exceptional travel experiences to more destinations,” said David Jehn, vice president, network planning and airline partnerships, JetBlue. “This new nonstop route not only introduces our low fares and great service to customers traveling to and from St. Kitts but provides access to all the cities we serve from New York and strengthens our presence in the Caribbean.”

It’s a major boost for a destination that has become one of the hottest in the Caribbean in the last few years, buoyed by a new tourism identity, a vibrant farm-to-table movement and a position as a haven for travelers seeking authentic, local-focused getaways. 

“We are pleased to announce that today signifies a momentous occasion, as JetBlue embarks on its inaugural flight to St. Kitts,” said St Kitts Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson. “This noteworthy milestone enhances the connectivity of our destination from the United States and underscores our partnership with the esteemed airline, JetBlue. We can’t wait to extend a warm welcome to more U.S. visitors, affording them the opportunity to partake in the exceptional and authentically Caribbean experiences St. Kitts has to offer.”

The new flights from New York will depart JFK at 8:29 AM, arriving in St Kitts at 2:14 PM. Return flights from St Kitts will depart at 3:30 PM, arriving in New York at 7 PM. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of offering direct, year-round service from New York to St. Kitts three times a week,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Those visiting St. Kitts will find that the destination is renowned for its warm-hearted people, genuine hospitality, and exciting experiences. We extend our gratitude to JetBlue for their invaluable contribution in bridging St. Kitts to a wider audience and offering more travelers the opportunity to effortlessly explore the island.”

For more, visit St Kitts.