Austin Travelers Gain New Caribbean Getaway as Cayman Airways Launches First-Ever Nonstop Flight from Texas to Grand Cayman
For Central Texas travelers dreaming of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tropical escape without multiple flight connections, getting to the Cayman Islands just became significantly easier.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) officially welcomed Cayman Airways on May 24 with the launch of a new nonstop route connecting Austin directly to Grand Cayman, marking the airline's first and only nonstop service from Texas. The new seasonal flight expands international travel options for residents across Austin and the surrounding region while strengthening the airport's growing global reach.
For travelers throughout Central Texas, the addition means a more convenient path to one of the Caribbean's most sought-after vacation destinations. Instead of navigating connecting flights through larger hubs, passengers can now travel directly from Austin to Grand Cayman in a single flight.
A Major Milestone for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
The new service represents another step in AUS's ongoing international expansion strategy as the airport continues to add destinations and airline partners to meet demand from one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
Operating weekly on Sundays through August 16, 2026, the route connects Austin with Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) in Grand Cayman aboard Cayman Airways' Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The aircraft features 160 seats, including a Business Class cabin.
Travelers flying the route can enjoy several amenities included in their fare, including complimentary meals, free streaming inflight entertainment, charging capability at every seat, a complimentary carry-on bag and personal item, and Cayman Airways' signature Seven Fathoms Rum Punch.
"The launch of Cayman Airways' service to Grand Cayman represents another important step in AUS's international expansion and our commitment to bringing new airline partners to Austin," said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. "This route not only delivers the only current nonstop access from Texas to the Cayman Islands, but also reflects the strong demand from our passengers for convenient, high-quality travel options to top global leisure destinations."
Why the Cayman Islands Continue to Attract Travelers
Located in the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The destination has earned an international reputation for its turquoise waters, world-class diving, luxury resorts, and welcoming hospitality.
Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, is home to the famous Seven Mile Beach, frequently ranked among the world's best beaches. The island also attracts visitors seeking outdoor adventure, marine life encounters, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Popular attractions include Stingray City, where visitors can interact with southern stingrays in shallow waters, the Cayman Crystal Caves, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and the island's renowned Bioluminescent Bay. Diving enthusiasts from around the world are also drawn to sites such as the Kittiwake shipwreck and the Cayman Islands' extensive coral reef systems.
In addition to outdoor experiences, Grand Cayman is often referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean thanks to its diverse restaurants, local seafood offerings, and international cuisine.
A Celebration of Caymanian Culture in Austin
To commemorate the inaugural flight, AUS hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together airport leaders, airline representatives, tourism officials, community partners, and passengers traveling on the first departure.
The celebration featured performances by Cayman's Swanky Kitchen Band and the UCCI Dance Company's Quadrille Dancers, giving attendees a glimpse into Caymanian culture before boarding.
Among those participating in the event were the Hon. Gary Rutty, Cayman Islands Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Transport, and Ayanna Victorin, Acting U.S. General Manager for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
Strengthening Connections Between Texas and the Caribbean
For Cayman Airways, the Austin route represents an important addition to its international network and an opportunity to connect one of America's fastest-growing cities with the Cayman Islands.
"The launch of this new nonstop service between Austin and Grand Cayman has been in development for some time and marks a significant milestone for Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands," said Ivan Forbes, Cayman Airways Vice President of Airports and Cargo Services. "Austin, in the heart of the Lone Star State, is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic cities in the United States, and we are pleased to introduce direct flights between the capital of Texas and our wonderful Cayman Islands."
Forbes noted that Cayman Airways has more than 57 years of service history and continues to focus on expanding direct access while showcasing Caymanian hospitality to visitors.
What Travelers Should Know
The seasonal nonstop service operates weekly on Sundays through August 16, 2026. Travelers interested in booking the route can purchase tickets through CaymanAirways.com or local travel agents.
For Austin-area residents looking for a summer getaway, the new route offers a rare convenience: direct access from Texas to one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations without the need for a connecting flight.
As Austin-Bergstrom International Airport continues expanding its international network, the addition of Cayman Airways highlights the region's growing importance as a gateway for global travel while giving Central Texans even more opportunities to explore destinations around the world.
For future travel updates, new airline routes, and transportation news affecting communities across Texas, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.