FREDERIKSTED (TTW) — American Airlines is enhancing its Caribbean offerings this winter by launching a new route from Chicago O’Hare to St. Croix and increasing its service to St. Thomas.
This expansion, which includes the introduction of weekly flights to St. Croix starting December 6 and daily flights to St. Thomas from December 18, is aimed at meeting the growing demand for tropical vacations.
With these new options, American Airlines is making it easier for travelers to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering more flexibility and access to two of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean.
American Airlines is expanding its reach to St. Croix this winter, adding a new route that connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport with Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix. The new direct service is set to launch on December 6, 2025, with weekly flights operating every Saturday, offering travelers from the Midwest a direct gateway to this scenic U.S. Virgin Island. This exciting new addition strengthens American Airlines’ commitment to enhancing Caribbean travel options and expanding leisure travel in the region.
In tandem with this launch, American Airlines will also be ramping up its existing service between Chicago O’Hare and Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Beginning December 18, 2025, American will increase the frequency of its flights from weekly to daily, further solidifying the airline’s dedication to supporting travel to one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.
For both St. Croix and St. Thomas, these changes come at a particularly opportune moment, as the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) tourism industry is experiencing impressive growth. Local officials have expressed excitement about the new routes, noting that the expansion of air travel will help boost the region’s visibility as a premier destination for tourists, especially during the highly competitive winter season. The move is expected to drive more leisure travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which has long been a hotspot for tourists from the U.S. mainland.
As the winter travel season approaches, the U.S. Virgin Islands has already been seeing a significant increase in visitor numbers. On December 28, 2024, a record-breaking 4,606 passengers arrived on a single day, surpassing the previous record of 4,000 set just months earlier. The surge in arrivals is part of an ongoing trend of growth, with over 24,000 visitors recorded in the week leading up to this milestone, a nearly 6 percent increase over the previous record. This uptick in traffic has demonstrated the strong demand for Caribbean vacations, with American Airlines’ new and expanded services set to meet that demand head-on.
The total number of airline arrivals across both St. Thomas’ Cyril E. King Airport and St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport for the year 2024 has also surpassed expectations. With over 932,000 passengers arriving, the USVI has already outpaced the record number of arrivals set during the pandemic years, a 16.5 percent increase compared to 2023’s figures. This increase in both passenger numbers and overall tourism traffic highlights the region’s ongoing recovery and revitalization, fueled in part by strategic airline expansions and continued investment in tourism infrastructure.
The decision by American Airlines to increase its services to St. Croix and St. Thomas is a direct response to these upward trends. With the increased frequency of flights and new routes, the airline is positioned to accommodate a growing number of travelers looking to experience the pristine beaches, rich culture, and vibrant local communities of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Both islands are beloved for their picturesque landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and diverse cultural heritage, all of which continue to draw visitors from across the globe.
The increase in air service also benefits local businesses, hotels, and tour operators by ensuring a steady influx of tourists throughout the year, with a particular focus on the winter months when many travelers are seeking sun and warmth. The enhanced connectivity makes it easier for visitors to explore the USVI’s offerings, contributing to a robust local economy and reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a premier destination for leisure travelers.
Looking ahead to the winter season, local tourism officials are optimistic that the combination of expanded airline services and the growing popularity of the USVI will result in another record-setting year for the islands. The region’s continued tourism success is built on a solid foundation of strategic partnerships with major airlines like American Airlines, which help make the U.S. Virgin Islands more accessible than ever.
As the Caribbean continues to see a resurgence in travel, St. Croix’s new flight connection with Chicago is expected to provide a major boost in visibility for the island, enticing more travelers to experience its unique charms. The new Saturday service will also be a great option for those looking to escape the harsh winter weather of the U.S. mainland. Meanwhile, the increase in daily flights to St. Thomas offers greater flexibility for vacationers seeking to explore all that the island has to offer.
This winter, American Airlines is setting the stage for a thriving travel season in the U.S. Virgin Islands, helping to solidify the region’s position as one of the Caribbean’s top destinations. With expanded services and growing interest from tourists, the future of travel to the USVI is looking brighter than ever.
American Airlines is expanding its winter services by launching a new route to St. Croix from Chicago O’Hare and increasing daily flights to St. Thomas, meeting rising demand for Caribbean travel.
As we look ahead to December 2025, it is clear that the U.S. Virgin Islands, fueled by increased air service and a rising tide of tourism, is on track for another banner year. American Airlines’ commitment to these islands will continue to play a pivotal role in the USVI’s tourism expansion, and their expanded flight schedule will serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of this tropical paradise.
SOURCE: TTW
