Cayman is set to benefit from expanded airlift capacity from the United States this winter, as Delta Air Lines prepares to launch new nonstop service from two major US cities.
Beginning 20 Dec., Delta will operate weekly Saturday flights to Owen Roberts International Airport from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The seasonal routes will run through 12 April 2026.
The new JFK route marks the return of Delta service from New York for the first time in over a decade – a significant development for Cayman’s tourism industry, given that New York remains the top US source market. The added flights are expected to enhance connectivity from the Northeast US and provide travelers with new options for winter escapes to the Caribbean.
“This Delta service from JFK represents exactly the kind of strategic growth we’ve been working toward,” said Rosa Harris, Cayman Islands tourism director.
Delta’s Detroit route is also making a comeback. Once a popular link for Midwest travelers, the flight was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and had remained one of the few pre-pandemic routes yet to return. Harris announced its reinstatement last month at the 2025 CAPA Airline Leader Summit – Americas, calling the return of the service a key milestone in Cayman’s broader tourism recovery.
“A year ago, it felt like this particular service for us was gone and it would never come back,” she said at the event, which took place at Indigo Hotel. “It’s a true testament of relationship building.”
Driving tourism growth through expanded airlift
The Department of Tourism has been actively pursuing new and reinstated routes as part of its aviation development strategy, led by Harris. The approach has focused on strengthening partnerships with major airlines and improving accessibility from critical US markets.
According to the Department, the United States remains Cayman’s dominant source market, accounting for 83% of total arrivals. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, visitor numbers from the Midwest and Northeast rose by 13.1% and 9.1% respectively over the same period in 2024.
Delta’s expanded service to Cayman comes as part of its largest-ever schedule to the region. The airline announced in April that it had added 24 seasonal routes across Latin America and the Caribbean, including flights from Atlanta to Belize, Panama City, the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
“Delta is expanding its offering in the region, with even more seats to Latin America and the Caribbean this winter,” confirmed Paul Baldoni, senior vice president of network planning at Delta.
Additional carriers are increasing service to the Cayman Islands. JetBlue has expanded its flights from Boston, while American Airlines and United Airlines have boosted flight frequencies from key hubs.
With expanded airlift to Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta Vacations is offering travelers bundled vacation packages that include flights, hotels, ground transportation, and activities—all in one convenient booking. SkyMiles Members can earn miles and status credits, while Delta SkyMiles American Express Card holders enjoy added benefits such as discounted Award Travel and an annual Companion Certificate valid across the region. Travelers can begin booking seats on the new routes starting 16 May 2025.