Cayman Airways Limited has announced it will end its long-running service between Grand Cayman and John F Kennedy International Airport after almost 20 years of operations.

In a statement issued on February 13, the airline confirmed that the final flight on the route will operate on October 19, 2026. 

The service first began in June 2007 and remained uninterrupted until the COVID-19 pandemic, transporting nearly 500,000 passengers over the years.

Despite the closure, the airline said travellers will continue to have access to multiple options for travel between the Cayman Islands and the New York City metropolitan area, noting that several airlines currently operate in the market with varying schedules, pricing and service offerings. 

The airline described the competitive landscape as evidence of the strength and maturity of one of the Cayman Islands’ most important tourism source markets.

Cayman Airways said the decision forms part of its long-term route planning strategy, which is carried out in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Government and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. 

The airline added that the closure coincides with a seasonal schedule adjustment and the planned shutdown of the existing Terminal One facility at JFK, which it has operated from since launching the service in 2007.

President and Chief Executive Officer Fabian Whorms described the New York route as a significant chapter in the airline’s history, saying Cayman Airways is proud of its role in connecting the Cayman Islands with a key international market. 

“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.”

“This decision reflects a thoughtful and deliberate approach to network planning, ensuring travellers 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.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development Gary Rutty thanked the airline for helping to establish the New York market, noting that the service played a major role in strengthening visitor arrivals and expanding international connectivity for the destination.

Rutty said: “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.”

Director of Tourism Rosa Harris also highlighted the continued partnership between the tourism authority and the airline, pointing to the recent announcement of a new nonstop service to Austin scheduled to begin in May. 

She said the seasonal summer service is expected to boost visitor numbers from Texas and support overall tourism growth.

Harris commented: “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 operational standpoint, Cayman Airways said the route closure will allow its fleet of four Boeing 737-8 aircraft to be reassigned to support new and expanded services across its network in the coming years.

The airline said it remains committed to developing routes that strengthen connectivity, drive passenger demand and support the long-term resilience of the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry and wider economy.