United Airlines to Launch Weekly Nonstop Newark–St. Croix Flights October 31

New route expected to expand travel options, support tourism and strengthen mainland connections

Oct 23,2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — St. Croix is set to gain a new direct air connection to the New York metropolitan area as United Airlines prepares to launch weekly nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) beginning Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) welcomed the new route, which will operate on Saturdays using a Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The service is expected to provide additional travel options for St. Croix residents, visitors, business travelers and Virgin Islanders living on the U.S. mainland.

Newark Liberty International Airport serves as a major United Airlines hub, giving passengers arriving from St. Croix access to connecting flights across the United States and to international destinations.

VIPA Executive Director Ava Penn described the new service as a significant development for St. Croix, citing its potential to improve access to a major U.S. market while supporting tourism and business activity.

“United’s Newark-St. Croix service is a significant win for St. Croix,” Penn said. “It expands access to a major United States market, supports tourism and business activity, and makes travel easier for our residents and Virgin Islanders living in the U.S.”

U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Jennifer Matarangas-King also welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the importance of the New York metropolitan area as a market for the Territory’s tourism industry.

According to Matarangas-King, the additional service creates more opportunities for travelers to experience St. Croix’s cultural heritage, historic attractions and natural beauty. She also thanked United Airlines for its continued investment in air service to the Virgin Islands.

The Newark route will complement United’s existing service between Newark and St. Thomas, potentially giving travelers greater flexibility when planning trips involving multiple islands.

For St. Croix, improved air connectivity can create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation providers and other local businesses that depend on visitor spending. The additional flight also offers residents another direct option for traveling to the mainland, although the overall economic impact will depend on factors such as passenger demand, fares and the consistency of the service.

The new route forms part of broader efforts to expand air access to the U.S. Virgin Islands and strengthen connections between the Territory and major mainland markets.