Suriname Airways Lands in SVG for First Time as CPL Charter Deal Signals New Airlift Opportunities 

By Admin. Updated 12:41 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Suriname Airways has touched down in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time, with tourism officials describing the milestone as more than a one-off charter for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and a potential stepping stone towards stronger regional and international air connectivity.

The airline’s inaugural arrival on Saturday (August 8), marks the beginning of its role as the dedicated carrier for the 2026 CPL tournament, transporting players and tournament personnel between participating Caribbean destinations.

However, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority believes the partnership could have benefits that extend well beyond cricket, creating opportunities to attract additional charter services during peak travel periods and opening discussions on new air links to markets in Central and South America.

The aircraft is operating under a wet-lease arrangement facilitated by Mile High Travels, which holds the contract to provide charter services for the CPL.

Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority, Shafia London, said the maiden flight supports the country’s wider push to build a tourism industry that attracts visitors throughout the year rather than during traditional peak seasons alone.

“This is about much more than moving CPL players across the region,” London said.

“While this is a charter specifically supporting the tournament, it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate the potential for continued charter operations during our busy season, particularly as we strengthen our events calendar next year and work towards creating an always-on tourism season.”

London said the collaboration also provides an opportunity to expand St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ reach into emerging tourism markets.

“We are planting a seed here for greater connectivity with Central and South America. There is interest in travelling to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from these markets, and we welcome the possibilities that this creates. What begins with a dedicated CPL aircraft can potentially open the door to new visitors, new markets and new opportunities for tourism.”

According to the Tourism Authority, the presence of the aircraft in St. Vincent and the Grenadines also allows the destination to demonstrate its ability to accommodate specialised charter operations while hosting one of the Caribbean’s biggest sporting events.

The Authority said the initiative aligns with its broader strategy of leveraging sports tourism, culture and major celebrations to increase visitor arrivals, strengthen air access and build a more resilient, year-round tourism economy.

London thanked the Caribbean Premier League and Mile High Travels for their roles in facilitating the arrangement and welcomed Suriname Airways on its inaugural visit to the destination.

“We are particularly grateful to the CPL team for its partnership and to Mile High Travels for facilitating this important charter arrangement,” she said. “We also extend a warm welcome to Suriname Airways on its maiden flight to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We look forward to building on this relationship and exploring what is possible.”

While the immediate focus is supporting the movement of CPL players and officials throughout the tournament, tourism officials say the partnership could serve as a platform for future charter operations and broader efforts to expand the country’s international airlift and diversify its visitor markets.

END