US Airways Opens Up Access To St. Kitts

Frigate Bay on St. Kitts
Photo by Charles Pannell

One of the biggest barriers to access in the Caribbean is the limited availability of direct air routes from the US mainland. On many of the smaller islands direct flights from the US are non-existent, and travelers have to rely on commuter flights from neighboring islands. These connecting flights are highly inconvenient for wheelchair-users, as small planes offer limited (and sometimes no) access. Additionally it's just one more connection to make. But, Beginning Dec. 7, 2002, St. Kitts will offer travelers a more accessible airline connection, as US Airways begins direct service from the US mainland.

The new service will be operated on Airbus 319 aircraft and will offer 12 first class and 108 economy seats. Flights will depart the Philadelphia International Airport at 10 AM every Saturday and will arrive at St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport at 3:32 PM. Return service will depart from St. Kitts at 4:35 PM and arrive in Philadelphia at 8:15 PM.

Says Douglas Leo, US Airways Vice President, "St. Kitts is an upscale destination with a growing tourism industry, including new hotel developments, and our service will extend further the choice of Caribbean destinations offered by US Airways." Adds the Hon. G.A. Dwyer Astaphan, St. Kitts' Minister of Tourism, "We are especially glad that this new service will begin in time for the grand opening of St. Kitts' newest property - the five start Marriott Royal Beach Resort."

Besides the Marriott Royal Beach Resort, new tourism developments on St. Kitts also include the St. Kitts Scenic Railway and Port Zante. Generally speaking, access in the Caribbean is not what you'll find in the US; however as development increases, so does the access. And development is definitely on the rise in St. Kitts. Ultimately these tourism developments will not only attract more visitors to St. Kitts, but also make the island a more accessible destination.

St. Kitts is located southeast of Puerto Rico in the Eastern Caribbean. For tourist information about St. Kitts visit www.stkitts-tourism.com. See the Fall 2002 issue of Emerging Horizons for access details about tourist attractions, transportation and accommodations on St. Kitts and neighboring Nevis.