Cayman Airways marks 40 years of Tampa service

Tampa International Airport and Cayman Airways have marked four decades of nonstop flights between Tampa and Grand Cayman, celebrating one of the airline’s longest-running international routes.

Cayman Airways launched services between Tampa and Grand Cayman in 1985. Since then, the route has developed into the airport’s longest-standing Caribbean connection and one of the carrier’s most consistent US services. The anniversary was celebrated on Monday, 15 December, with an event at Tampa International, where departing passengers were offered Caymanian music, traditional snacks and small giveaways.

Representatives from the Cayman Islands government, along with airline and airport officials, attended the event. Over the years, the service has played a key role in connecting the Cayman Islands with Florida for education, healthcare, business and family travel, while also supporting tourism flows in both directions.

Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development of the Cayman Islands, said: “For many Caymanians, including myself, Tampa has always been more than a destination – it is a familiar place where Caymanians have travelled for education, medical care, shopping and weekend getaways. For our Floridian friends, the Cayman Islands have become a favourite home away from home. Over the years, thousands of visitors from Tampa have discovered the beauty of our beaches, the warmth of our people and the unmistakable feeling of Cayman kindness found only within our shores.”

Kris Bergstrom, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors for Cayman Airways, added: “Today, as we celebrate 40 years of service, we also celebrate the enduring relationship between Tampa and the Cayman Islands, one built on trust, history and mutual respect. As we look forward, we do so with confidence that this route will continue to serve as a bridge between our communities for many, many years to come.”

Cayman Airways currently operates the route five days per week, making Tampa the airline’s second-largest US market by number of flights. The Tampa Bay region remains an important source of inbound tourism, with around 17,000 visitors travelling from the area to the Cayman Islands over the past year.