Airlines Say No to VIPA Airports Remodel Plans

  Airlines Say No to VIPA  

  Airports Remodel Plans

M.A. Dworkin

     USVI - Eight major airline carriers have submitted a joint letter and objected to the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) proposed remodeling plans, a public-private partnership (P3), claiming it would make flying in and out of Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and Cyril E. King Airport more expensive than competing regional airports. 

     In a June 3, 2026 letter to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and VIPA Interim Executive Director Ava Penn, the USVI Airlines Airport Affairs Committee (AAAC) has voiced frustration over the lack of transparency in how current airport fees are allocated and contend that any proposed model which is not economically feasible would not be accepted by its members. They reserve all rights regarding procedural alternatives, and signal that additional formal action could be considered if VIPA continues on its current proposed P3 remodeling plans.

     The airlines argue that the P3 plan will drastically raise ticket prices and operational costs, making USVI airports less competitive compared to other regional destinations.  

     “In serving USVI airports through the years, AAAC members share VIPA’s goals of improved facilities, but we cannot ignore the need to ensure operational and economic sustainability for a program of this magnitude in the USVI,” the letter states. 

     The carriers remain committed to improving the Territory’s airports but state that they were not consulted or brought in to discuss the program’s scope or the selection of the P3 model. They state the full proposed program will exceed $1 billion and are proposing a smaller $300 million “capital core program” phased alternative plan, developed by the airlines, that would be implemented to upgrade the airports without placing a massive debt burden on the Territory.  The airlines strongly urge the Governor to reconsider his position on the proposed plan.

     The letter was signed by representatives of American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Cape Air, Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Airlines for America. 

     Despite the carrier’s strong objections, the Bryan Administration has signaled it is moving forward with the P3 framework. VIPA has maintained that the private investment model is required to bring state-of-the-art amenities and long-term maintenance to the Territory’s airports without adding capital debt to the local government.

     “We are moving forward with our plan and will work with the airlines to get it done,” stated Governor Bryan in the face of the opposition. “I don’t know anyone that would disagree with the need for one in St. Thomas, especially the people standing in line to sit in our hot, crowded departure lounge. Equally improving our infrastructure in St. Croix is just as important.”