Turks and Caicos-based interCaribbean Airways has confirmed its plans to launch a new gateway between Punta Cana and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. 

The new service is set to begin in January, with flights operated on the carrier’s Embraer 120 aircraft. 

The new route will create a significant new air route for travelers to the British Virgin Islands, thanks to the high volume of flights that already serve Punta Cana International Airport. 

“With a USA Preclear facility set to come online, a journey from Tortola via Punta Cana to numerous other cities in the USA, makes this the most convenient gateway to return back into the USA as a domestic arrival experience,” the carrier said in a statement. 

Air travelers to the BVI typically fly through San Juan or St Thomas at present. 

The new flights will be operating twice weekly, with service on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

“The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is very pleased with the addition of Punta Cana to interCaribbean’ BVI schedule,” the organization said in a statement. “We have been advocating and assiduously pushing for the addition of this flight for several years, given the substantial global air capacity into Punta Cana and the opportunity to develop this as another alternate route for getting to the BVI. We have great hope for the new opportunities that this brings to BVI as we open more gateways to our island.”

— CJ