Caribbean Airlines to cut unprofitable routes from June 1

Caribbean Airlines is set to discontinue several unprofitable routes from June 1, a move announced by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour. The airline faced significant losses, totaling $128 million, from routes introduced during a 2023 expansion into the Eastern Caribbean. Zakour stated that this expansion, initiated under the previous board and supported by the then-government, aimed to enhance regional connectivity, tourism, and trade.

However, the minister explained that the initial assumptions for this expansion did not align with market realities. "While the stated objectives of strengthening regional connectivity, supporting tourism and facilitating trade were sound in principle, the projections underpinning route selection, market sizing and financial assumptions supporting that expansion have since proven significantly different than the actual market conditions,” he said. A Route Oversight Committee, established in 2025 by the current board, confirmed that many routes lacked commercial justification and consistently generated losses.

Several routes have already been discontinued, including Jamaica to Fort Lauderdale ($7.2 million in losses) and Trinidad to Puerto Rico ($4.92 million in losses). Further adjustments from June 1, 2026, will see the airline withdraw from Dominica ($0.73 million in losses) and St. Kitts ($1.65 million in losses). The non-stop Guyana to Suriname service will also cease, having incurred $1.24 million in losses. Additionally, flight frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe will be reduced due to losses of $1.23 million and $1.86 million, respectively. The total losses from these routes amounted to $18.84 million.

Zakour assured passengers affected by these changes that they would be contacted by the airline or travel agents. Re-accommodation on alternative regional services or full refunds will be offered for bookings beyond the discontinuation dates. The airline expects these network adjustments to improve its financial standing through operational savings.

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While the stated objectives of strengthening regional connectivity, supporting tourism and facilitating trade were sound in principle, the projections underpinning route selection, market sizing and financial assumptions supporting that expansion have since proven significantly different than the actual market conditions.