NEW YORK -- As a result of continuing fallout from the 25% increase
in landing and passenger fees imposed by the Virgin Islands Port
Authority Feb. 1, American Airlines is further cutting back service
to the U.S. Virgin Islands by discontinuing some inter-island
service and ceasing ground operations in St. Croix, according to a
spokeswoman in San Juan.
On April 15, American will close its ground operations in St.
Croix and contract out its Miami-St. Croix daily flight to American
Eagle.
Meanwhile, American Eagle will discontinue its four daily
weekday flights and two daily weekend flights between St. Thomas
and St. Croix May 1.
Travelers can still fly American from San Juan to St. Croix and
St. Thomas and between St. Croix and St. Thomas by connecting
through San Juan.
Meanwhile, Seaborne Airlines seaplane service will link
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas with Frederiksted, St. Croix within
the next four months. The new flights will supplement Seaborne's
existing service between Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted, St.
Croix.