Cayman Airways Launches New Nonstop Service Between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas

Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) officially launched its new nonstop service between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas on Sunday, May 24, 2026 with vibrant dual-city celebrations showcasing Caymanian culture, music, hospitality and national pride, from a Caymanian-inspired sendoff in Grand Cayman to the ribbon-cutting event in Austin.

The launch marked the beginning of Cayman Airways’ only nonstop service between Austin, Texas, and the Cayman Islands, creating a new nonstop connection between two destinations known for their hospitality, culture, culinary experiences and vibrant music scenes.

At Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), the inaugural departure gate event blended Caymanian traditions with Texas flair, featuring Tex-Mex and Caymanian breakfast dishes, Caribbean and country music by local DJ Jason Rankin, performances by the Swanky Kitchen Band, and appearances by local cultural ambassadors including Miss Universe Cayman Islands and the UCCI Dance Company’s Quadrille Dancers.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, Hon. Gary Rutty, who delivered remarks during both the Grand Cayman departure celebration and the Austin ribbon-cutting event, said the new service represents an important step forward for the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry and broader economy.

“The launch of nonstop service between Grand Cayman and Austin marks an exciting new chapter for the Cayman Islands,” said Minister Rutty. “This route is about far more than airlift - it is about creating new opportunities and continuing to position our islands as a world-class destination with global appeal. Texas has long been one of our most valuable visitor markets and this nonstop connection now makes travel to the Cayman Islands easier and more accessible to visitors from Central Texas. This achievement reflects the strength of our tourism product, the dedication of our national airline, and the power of partnership in supporting our tourism industry to grow and thrive.”

Also speaking during the Grand Cayman launch event, Cayman Airways Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. David Ritch, said the new route represents more than just a new flight: “Today, we are not simply launching a new route - we are celebrating another important milestone in Cayman Airways’ journey, one that strengthens our connection to one of the fastest-growing U.S. travel markets while proudly carrying the spirit of the Cayman Islands into another exciting destination. Cayman Airways has never been just about transporting passengers from Point A to Point B. We also carry Caymanian culture, Caymanian hospitality and Caymanian pride wherever we fly.”

Mr. Ritch noted that Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World” made it a fitting destination to introduce Caymanian music and culture through the Swanky Kitchen Band and the UCCI Dance Company’s Quadrille Dancers who were travelling on the flight to Austin to perform at the gate ceremony there. He described the route as an important opportunity to support tourism growth, destination accessibility, and international airlift for the Cayman Islands.

Director of Tourism at the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Rosa Harris, said the new Austin service reflects the continued importance of strategic airlift development for the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry: “Air connectivity is central to the survival of our tourism industry and ensures broader economic resilience for our country. Today, we are thrilled to be partnering with our national flag carrier, Cayman Airways, as we launch a new route to Austin, expanding our nonstop connectivity in Texas, one of our most important U.S. markets.”

The flight received a ceremonial water cannon salute before departure from Grand Cayman, and while Captain Timmy Grizzel steered the plane towards Austin, passengers onboard were treated to a surprise inflight performance by Swanky Kitchen Band and the quadrille dancers, adding a distinctly Caymanian touch to the historic journey.

Upon arrival at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), the flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute and a gate celebration featuring traditional Caymanian music and dance performances, refreshments, souvenirs, as well as remarks from Cayman Islands and Austin officials.

AUS Chief Executive Officer, Ghizlane Badawi, welcomed Cayman Airways as the airport’s newest international airline partner, and highlighted the importance of expanding international connectivity for Central Texas travellers.

“By launching nonstop service to Grand Cayman, this partnership offers Austin and Central Texas travelers a direct and convenient gateway to one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular destinations,” said Ms. Badawi during the Austin ribbon cutting celebration.

Ivan Forbes, Vice President for Airport Passenger and Cargo Services at Cayman Airways, said the inaugural celebration reflected the strong cultural connection being built between the Cayman Islands and Austin: “For us, this route is about building connections - between people, cultures, businesses and two destinations known for their hospitality, personality and love of music. Today’s celebration reflected that perfectly, thanks to the Swanky Kitchen Band and the quadrille dancers who shared a little Caymanian rhythm and culture with the ‘Live Music Capital of the World.’”

The new seasonal nonstop summer service between Grand Cayman and Austin operates weekly on Sundays through August as part of Cayman Airways’ continued commitment to strengthen airlift and support tourism growth for the Cayman Islands.

Tickets can be booked at www.caymanairways.com , via CAL’s mobile app, through a travel professional, or by calling Cayman Airways Reservations on 345-949-2311 or 1-800-422-9626 (toll free in the USA).