The Virgin Islands now has an additional airline option for travel between the Territory and the Dominican Republic, following the launch of direct flights by Sunrise Airways.
The carrier operated its inaugural service on Thursday, April 16, 2026, flying from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to Beef Island in the Virgin Islands.
The new route will operate twice weekly, with flights scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays. Departures from Santo Domingo are set for 8:00 a.m. on Thursdays and 1:00 p.m. on Sundays, while return flights from Beef Island will depart at 9:45 a.m. on Thursdays and 1:45 p.m. on Sundays. The flight time is approximately one hour.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley welcomed the launch, describing it as an important development for residents and the Territory’s regional connectivity.
“This new service is deeply appreciated by our community,” Wheatley said during the launch ceremony at the Platinum Executive Lounge at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. He noted the long-standing ties between the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, adding that many families in the Territory have connections in the DR.
He said the direct service would make it easier for people to visit family, conduct business, and maintain regional relationships.
Wheatley also said the Virgin Islands is strengthening trade and commercial ties with the Dominican Republic, and that the new flights would create opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals travelling between the two territories and beyond.
He encouraged Sunrise Airways to consider expanding its Caribbean network further, citing demand for more intra-regional travel options.
“As the Virgin Islands continues to deepen its engagement with CARICOM, the need for reliable intra-regional travel will only grow,” he said, particularly for business-related travel.
The service will be operated using an Embraer ERJ140 regional jet, configured in a single-class layout with seating for up to 30 passengers.
Wheatley said the aircraft’s capacity could improve travel flexibility and potentially support more competitive fares.
“More seats mean more convenience, more flexibility, more travellers – and hopefully lower fares, for travellers,” he added.
