Meagan Drillinger
Anguilla is making strides in improving its air connectivity with the announcement of new nonstop flights between San Juan and Anguilla, set to begin on April 14. The launch of these flights by InterCaribbean Airways is expected to provide easier access for travelers from Puerto Rico and other Northern Caribbean destinations.
This announcement comes on the heels of Anguilla's participation in Routes Americas 2025, held early last month in Nassau, where the goal of officials was to strengthen the island's air connectivity by exploring opportunities for new routes.
Securing those new routes has proven challenging for Anguilla, primarily due to limitations at Clayton J. Lloyd Airport, particularly the length of the runway. This constraint has limited the types of aircraft that can fly to the island, restricting the potential for new direct routes from major markets like the U.S. and Canada.
"However, we're addressing this with a proactive strategy," said Stacey Liburd, director of tourism at the Anguilla Tourist Board, when asked about the runway restrictions.
The government is investing in significant infrastructure upgrades at the airport, including extending the runway and building a new terminal. Anguilla has finalized a 20-Year Airport Master Plan, which will extend the runway from 4,964 feet to 7,000 feet and widen it from 100 feet to 150 feet. These upgrades will enable larger aircraft to land, making it easier to attract more airlines and open up new routes. The construction of the new terminal is expected to be completed by the fall, while the runway extension is projected to be finished by the fall of 2027.
Airline partnerships and interest
In addition to the new San Juan route, enhancing intra-Caribbean connectivity is also a focus for Anguilla. Airlines like InterCaribbean Airways are expected to boost regional tourism by making travel to the island easier for passengers from neighboring islands.
"Improved intra-Caribbean connectivity will benefit regional tourism, making it easier for travelers to explore multiple Caribbean destinations," said Liburd. "This will increase visitor numbers and promote longer stays."
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American Airlines, which already operates flights to Anguilla from Miami and New York, indicated satisfaction with the current services and expressed interest in exploring the possibility of increasing flight frequencies, particularly from Miami, according to a the Anguilla Tourist Board. Discussions between the island and carrier also included expanding services from other U.S. hubs, which could enhance access to the island for travelers from different regions.
Members of the delegation at Routes Americas took part in discussions with American as well as Delta and JetBlue that explored opportunities for seasonal service from major U.S. hubs, new direct routes targeting the growing demand from the Northeast.
Regional airlines, including InterCaribbean, Tradewind Aviation and Caribbean Airlines, also expressed interest in expanding their services to and from Anguilla from neighboring islands.
Airport expansion and economic growth
The airport expansion is seen as a critical step for Anguilla's economic growth by attracting more visitors.
"Data indicates that regional tourists are more likely to travel for events and festivals," said Liburd. "Improved access to various islands will make it easier for tourists to explore multiple destinations within the Caribbean, thus encouraging them to diversify their itineraries."
She also noted that providing more options to access the island via key hubs will reduce travel times and make the journey more convenient. The flight time between San Juan and Anguilla is an hour and 15 minutes.
"Additionally, this connectivity opens the door to multidestination travel packages, appealing to those looking to explore several locations in one trip," she said.
In addition to the airport improvements, the island is also seeing other major tourism developments. According to Liburd, construction on the Port Nimara superyacht marina, which will include a luxury hotel and 118 berths, has already begun. Another project, the ANI Private Resorts on Shoal Bay, is also well underway, adding 15 luxury suites to Anguilla's offerings.
Liburd also pointed out that Anguilla is in the early planning stages of launching a Travel Advisor Program in 2026, which will include incentives such as bonuses and commissions for advisors who promote the island.