St. Thomas Airport Built for 300,000 Now Handling About 900,000, VIPA Says

The V.I. Port Authority said Wednesday that Cyril E. King Airport is operating far beyond the passenger levels it was originally designed to handle, with board members and officials describing long lines, crowding, restroom pressure and scheduling congestion as continuing challenges at the St. Thomas airport.

During the Wednesday board meeting, VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said the airport was built to accommodate about 300,000 passengers but is now handling roughly 900,000. The mismatch between the original footprint of the facility and current passenger volume has created operational strain across the airport, he said.

Board members raised concerns about extensive lines and the impact the departure experience can have on visitors, particularly repeat travelers whose final impression of the territory comes at the airport. Officials said they closely monitor social media and are aware that delays and crowding can shape how travelers talk about their time in the U.S. Virgin Islands after they leave.

The executive director said the crowding problem is not simply a matter of passenger growth, but also of timing. On some days, he sad, nine, 10 or 11 aircraft can be on the ground around the same time at Cyril E. King Airport, putting pressure on gates, passenger movement and screening areas.