American Airlines to launch only direct flight to this tropical destination

Sitting south of the Bahamas and north of the island holding Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the British overseas territory of Turks and Caicos is often considered to be one of the world’s most luxurious vacation destinations.

While the territory making up the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands has a permanent population of just over 46,000, it contains a very high concentration of five-star resorts and wealthy visitors coming in by yacht and private plane.

Bermudair Plane
While the main Providenciales International Airport (PLS) receives flights from many U.S. cities on all of the country’s “big three” carriers, the smaller South Caicos Airport (XSC) is a regional airport for the tiny South Caicos island. The airport has a single runway and, until recently, was used exclusively by regional and charter airlines as it had no customs office for clearing immigration.’Faster and more convenient access to this idyllic island
But with tourist interest in less-popular parts of Turks and Caicos on the rise, American Airlines (AAL) will launch the first direct flight to South Caicos from the U.S. Starting on Feb. 25, 2025, the flight from Miami will run twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays on an Embraer 175 (ERJ) plane with room for 76 passengers.

“American has flown to Turks and Caicos for more than 30 years and we are thrilled to announce the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Caicos starting next February,” American Airlines Managing Director of Global Network Planning Jason Reisinger said to Travel + Leisure. “Customers from across North America will now have faster and more convenient access to this idyllic island and all that it offers.”

American Airlines has already been running flights to Providenciales from cities including Miami, New York, Chicago, and Charlotte while competitors Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United (UAL) also run similar flights from different U.S. cities.

Turks and Caicos: A Paradise Beckons

Sitting south of the Bahamas and north of Hispaniola, the British overseas territory of Turks and Caicos is often considered one of the world’s most luxurious vacation destinations. This stunning archipelago, made up of the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a high concentration of five-star resorts. Despite its relatively small permanent population of just over 46,000, Turks and Caicos attracts wealthy visitors from around the globe who arrive by yacht and private plane to experience its unparalleled beauty and luxury.

Providenciales and Beyond

Providenciales, commonly referred to as Provo, is the most developed island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago and serves as the main gateway for international tourists. The Providenciales International Airport (PLS) receives flights from many U.S. cities on all of the country’s “big three” carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These flights connect Provo with major hubs such as Miami, New York, Chicago, and Charlotte, making it easily accessible for travelers from North America.

However, while Providenciales is the most visited island, the increasing interest in the less-popular parts of Turks and Caicos is prompting airlines to expand their services to other islands in the archipelago. One such island is South Caicos, a smaller and less-developed island known for its serene beaches, vibrant marine life, and charming, unspoiled beauty.

South Caicos Airport (XSC)

South Caicos Airport (XSC) is a regional airport with a single runway. Until recently, it was used exclusively by regional and charter airlines, primarily because it lacked a customs office for clearing immigration. This limitation meant that international tourists had to first land in Providenciales before making their way to South Caicos, adding an extra leg to their journey. However, this is set to change with the introduction of new direct flights from the U.S.

American Airlines’ New Route

Recognizing the growing demand for more convenient access to South Caicos, American Airlines has announced the launch of the first direct flight from the U.S. to South Caicos. Starting on February 25, 2025, the flight from Miami will run twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The service will utilize an Embraer 175 (ERJ) plane with room for 76 passengers, providing a comfortable and efficient travel option for those looking to explore this idyllic island.

“American has flown to Turks and Caicos for more than 30 years and we are thrilled to announce the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Caicos starting next February,” said Jason Reisinger, American Airlines Managing Director of Global Network Planning, in a statement to Travel + Leisure. “Customers from across North America will now have faster and more convenient access to this idyllic island and all that it offers.”

The Appeal of South Caicos

South Caicos, while less developed than Providenciales, offers a unique and tranquil experience for visitors. Its unspoiled landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life make it a paradise for nature lovers, snorkelers, and divers. The island is home to the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park, which protects extensive coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, providing a haven for a variety of marine species.

In addition to its natural beauty, South Caicos has a rich cultural heritage. The island’s capital, Cockburn Harbour, is a charming town with colorful buildings, historic sites, and friendly locals. Visitors can explore the remnants of the island’s salt industry, which was once a major economic driver, and learn about the island’s history at the South Caicos Museum.

Economic Impact

The introduction of direct flights to South Caicos is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. Easier access will likely lead to an increase in tourist numbers, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. The influx of visitors will also create job opportunities for residents and stimulate investment in infrastructure and services.

Moreover, the new route aligns with the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board’s efforts to promote the lesser-known islands and distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across the archipelago. By encouraging visitors to explore beyond Providenciales, the Tourist Board hopes to alleviate some of the pressure on Provo’s infrastructure and natural resources while showcasing the diverse attractions of the other islands.

Future Prospects

The new direct flights to South Caicos represent just one step in the broader strategy to enhance the accessibility and appeal of Turks and Caicos as a premier vacation destination. With its stunning natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and a growing array of activities and experiences, the archipelago is well-positioned to attract an increasing number of discerning travelers.

Looking ahead, there is potential for further expansion of air services to other islands in the Turks and Caicos chain. Islands such as Grand Turk, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos each offer unique attractions and could benefit from improved connectivity. As the tourism industry continues to recover and grow, partnerships between airlines, the government, and the private sector will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of these beautiful islands.

The introduction of direct flights from the U.S. to South Caicos by American Airlines marks an exciting development for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This new route will provide travelers with more convenient access to one of the archipelago’s most charming and unspoiled islands, opening up new opportunities for exploration and adventure. As tourism in Turks and Caicos continues to evolve, the emphasis on enhancing connectivity and promoting the diverse offerings of all the islands will ensure that this paradise destination remains at the forefront of luxury travel for years to come.