Why Cayman Islands' Airlift Bet Outpaced Cruise Lines in 2025
Key Points
- 1Stayover arrivals rose 2.1% through October 2025, supported by a major US and Canadian airlift expansion.
- 2Cruise arrivals fell 3.8% year-to-date, with October recording the weakest numbers on record following a May 'no' vote on cruise berthing piers.
- 3New airline routes were launched by Delta, United, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Porter Airlines, and Spirit Airlines to Grand Cayman.
- 4Major hotel projects like ONE | GT, Grand Hyatt, and Mandarin Oriental continued development, reinforcing the long-term bet on land-based tourism.
The Cayman Islands’ tourism sector experienced a year of sharp contrasts in 2025. The industry ended the year pulled in two very different directions. Stayover tourism proved resilient, driven by aggressive Grand Cayman airlift expansion. This growth offset a difficult year for the cruise sector. Through October, total visitation was down 2.1% year-to-date. This figure masked a widening gap between the two main pillars.
Stayover arrivals rose 2.1% compared to the same period in 2024. Cruise arrivals fell 3.8%, reflecting fewer ship calls. The Department of Tourism placed a long-term bet on Cayman Islands stayover tourism as the engine for sustainable growth.
Airlift Strategy Fuels Stayover Growth
Airlift was central to the government's tourism strategy. A coordinated push by US carriers strengthened access to core markets. Major US airlines expanded service to Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM).
- Delta confirmed the return of Detroit–Grand Cayman flights.
- United expanded its winter 2025/2026 schedule from Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles.
- American Airlines increased service from key hubs like Miami and Dallas.
- JetBlue and Spirit Airlines added thrice-weekly non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
Canadian access also saw a boost. Porter Airlines launched non-stop services from Toronto and Ottawa. The Ottawa route marked the first-ever direct flight from the Canadian capital to Grand Cayman. This airline route development strategy ensured consistent capacity. The US market accounted for nearly 83% of all stayover visitors. The Department of Tourism also rolled out a US$12 million 'Welcome to vaCay' campaign in October.
Cruise Sector at a Crossroads
Cruise tourism followed a more challenging path in this 2025 tourism year in review. The year began with strong gains in the first quarter. Cruise arrivals saw a 12.1% year-over-year increase through March. This early optimism quickly evaporated.
The sector's challenges were amplified in May. Voters delivered a resounding 'no' to proposed cruise berthing piers in a national referendum. This decision sent shockwaves through the industry. Proponents argued the expansion was necessary to remain competitive. Critics cited environmental and financial concerns.
Following the May referendum, the sector saw sustained monthly declines. April, May, June, and August all recorded double-digit drops. October fell nearly 30% year-on-year. This made it the weakest October ever recorded for cruise arrivals. The rejection of the berthing infrastructure signals a shift in tourism priorities.
Investment in Land-Based Infrastructure
On land, hotel and resort development continued, signaling long-term confidence. Major projects progressed despite global headwinds. The ONE | GT luxury hotel and residences in George Town is slated for a late-2026 opening. Planning continued for the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel and Residences. Developers also broke ground on the Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman resort. It is targeting a 2028 opening. This focus on high-value, long-stay accommodation reinforces the strategic direction.
Hoteliers faced challenges, including a heavy mid-year influx of sargassum. Beach erosion also intensified scrutiny of Seven Mile Beach. Despite these issues, the investment pipeline remains robust. This commitment to commercial aviation news and infrastructure points to a future where high-value air travelers are prioritized. Learn more about global trends in commercial aviation news at flying.flights.
By year's end, the evidence was clear. While cruise numbers faltered, expanded airlift and new hotel development confirmed a strategic focus on the stayover market. This bet is now the primary engine for the islands' economic growth.
Topics
You Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
American Airlines Launches 4 New Routes on Its Latest Fleet Additions
American Airlines is expanding its network by adding four new routes, utilizing its newest Airbus A321XLR aircraft to offer an enhanced passenger experience.
What Major International Travel Changes Are Coming in 2026?
Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas are expanding global routes while new EU ETIAS/EES border systems and US Global Entry will reshape international travel in 2026.
Which Domestic Route is the World's Busiest in 2025, According to OAG Data?
OAG data confirms Seoul Gimpo to Jeju Island is the world's busiest air route, highlighting Asia-Pacific's dominance in domestic flight capacity and
Porter Airlines launches new Embraer E195-E2 service from Toronto and Ottawa to
Porter Airlines launched inaugural non-stop service to Grand Cayman from Toronto and Ottawa using the Embraer E195-E2.
TransNusa expands network to 19 routes within three years of operation
TransNusa has secured 19 scheduled flight routes, launching four new domestic services within three years.
Cayman Islands Invests $9.8M in Thales ATC Upgrade for Future Growth
Cayman Islands Airports Authority awards Thales a CI$9.8M contract to modernize air traffic control systems.
Never Miss Critical Aviation Updates
Get the top aviation stories delivered to your inbox every morning