Cayman Airways to conclude its New York service as it prepares to blaze trails in new markets

February 13, 2026

After almost twenty years in the market, Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) has announced plans to conclude its nonstop service between Grand Cayman and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with the final flight operating on October 19, 2026.

The JFK route has been a longstanding part of Cayman Airways’ international network since its launch in June 2007 and, aside from a temporary suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, has operated steadily for nearly two decades. During this time, the airline has transported nearly 500,000 passengers, supporting tourism, business travel, and vital links between the Cayman Islands and the New York metropolitan area.

Today, the New York/Cayman route is served by multiple airlines, offering travelers a range of schedule options, pricing, and product choices. This competitive environment ensures continued and convenient access between the Cayman Islands and the New York metropolitan area, and reflects the strength and maturity of one of the Cayman Islands’ most important tourism source markets.

Cayman Airways takes a strategic, long-term approach to route development, with network decisions made in close partnership with the Cayman Islands Government and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Together, these entities regularly assess market performance, demand trends, and national tourism and economic priorities to ensure airlift is deployed where it can deliver the greatest long-term benefit.

Cayman Airways has selected this timing for the conclusion of the JFK service to align with a natural seasonal schedule change and the planned closure of the existing Terminal One facility at JFK, which the airline has operated from since the launch of the route in 2007.  This alignment allows for an orderly and well-planned transition for customers and operations.

“The New York route has been an important part of Cayman Airways’ history, and we are proud of the role we have played in connecting the Cayman Islands with one of its most significant international markets,” commented Fabian Whorms, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cayman Airways. “This decision reflects a thoughtful and deliberate approach to network planning, ensuring travelers continue to benefit from strong choice and accessibility while allowing Cayman Airways to redeploy aircraft capacity toward new routes and services that support our long-term strategy and the evolving needs of the Cayman Islands.”

The Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development, thanked Cayman Airways for its pioneering role in developing the New York market, stating: “Cayman Airways has once again demonstrated its role as a trailblazer for Cayman Islands tourism. By establishing and sustaining service to New York since 2007, the airline opened one of our most important source markets and laid the foundation for the strong airlift we enjoy today.   On behalf of the Government and the people of the Cayman Islands, I thank Cayman Airways for leading the way, as it has done so many times before and continues to do, in building global connectivity for our destination.”

Echoing the Deputy Premier’s sentiments, and commenting on the airline’s recent announcement to commence a new nonstop service to Austin, Texas in May of this year, Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, emphasized the continued partnership focused on growth: “New York remains one of our top tourism source markets, and the success of this route over many years is a testament to Cayman Airways’ leadership and commitment. The Department of Tourism is the agency responsible for the destination’s expansive aviation route network. Austin was identified as a key market for Cayman Airways in accelerating visitor volumes from Texas. This seasonal summer service will be a driver in generating incremental growth for Cayman Airways and the country.”

From an aircraft utilization perspective, this change will see CAL’s fleet of four modern state-of-the-art Boeing 737-8 aircraft redeployed to support the development and strengthening of new routes and expanded services across the network over the next several years.

Cayman Airways remains committed to thoughtfully developing and supporting routes that enhance connectivity, stimulate demand, and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and resilience of the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry and wider economy.

About Cayman Airways

As the uniquely Caymanian National Airline of the Cayman Islands since 1968, Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) offers year-round international B737-8 nonstop jet service between Grand Cayman and: Miami, Tampa, New York (through October 19, 2026), Los Angeles, Kingston, Havana, La Ceiba, and Panama. Seasonal nonstop jet service is also offered between Grand Cayman and Denver, Austin, as well as Montego Bay. Cayman Airways Express operates domestic flights between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, with a fleet of two Saab 340B+ aircraft, and three De Havilland DH6 Twin Otter aircraft. For more details, visit www.caymanairways.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.