GRAND CAYMAN — Airlift capacity to the Cayman Islands is on the rise, a sure sign of tourism restoration moving towards 2023.

According to an airlift capacity reported by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Research Unit that tracks flights to the Cayman Islands through Q1 2023, there is an increase of 1,253 seats in Q4 2022, representing a 1% increase in capacity over the same period in 2019.

“The airlift capacity report is a welcome indication of recovery as we look ahead to the 2022-2023 season,” said Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Transport. “The PACT Government’s easing of the travel regulations has unlocked pent-up demand. However, we cannot become complacent. Our focus is to drive growth from the markets where it will have the most positive impact. While we celebrate a net increase in available seats for Q4 2022, we must also continue to strive for opportunities to increase the number of flights, operating airlines and gateway cities.”

The net growth in seats is driven in part by flights from the U.S., including: increased American Airlines connections through Charlotte and Miami; Southwest’s strong feeder markets in Texas; United’s growth in Washington D.C. and Newark; and a new nonstop route from Baltimore-Washington.

The report also shows signs of longer-term growth in Q1 2023, with Dallas and Houston showing year-over-year growth of 5% and 40%, respectively. Cayman Airways’ new nonstop route to Los Angeles accounts for 1,280 seats in Q4 2022.

“Airlift is the oxygen of our islands’ tourism industry and our global team has been working hard, engaging with the airlines to restore routes and seats,” said Rosa Harris, Director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. “A spirit of teamwork between the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Cayman Airways, Cayman Border Control, the Cayman Islands Airport Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority, coupled with cooperation with the private sector, is the key to our success. As we continue to collaborate in rebuilding our stayover arrivals and welcoming back to our beautiful shores, further increasing the Cayman Islands’ airlift remains a top priority.”

For the latest entry and travel requirements to the Cayman Islands go to visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/travel-requirements.