Winair will not eliminate its service to Nevis from St. Maarten as had been announced several weeks ago.

The decision to keep the Nevis operation ongoing followed several days of discussions with the airline initiated by Nevis officials.

"Maintaining a reliable, scheduled air link between Nevis and St. Maarten is in the best interest of the island and the people of Nevis, especially in the present world economic climate," said Nevis' Premier and Minister of Tourism Joseph Parry.

"Our objective was to maintain St. Maarten as a gateway to Nevis for international travelers while providing Nevisians an opportunity to travel to St. Maarten for a day trip," he added.

Winair began service to Nevis in 1962 and has had uninterrupted service ever since.

In addition to Nevis, Winair serves Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla from St. Maarten.

The regional carrier closed its route from St. Maarten to Dominica on March 1 and ended its flights to Tortola and St. Kitts on March 29. Earlier Winair had reduced its service between St. Maarten and Antigua to a weekly flight.