A new connection is reshaping air access to the Cayman Islands as Spirit Airlines has officially launched nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman. The inaugural flights mark a significant expansion for both the airline and the destination, pairing one of the region’s most reliable gateways with an island known for its clear water, polished hospitality and strong year-round demand. For travelers, it adds a straightforward way to reach Grand Cayman and strengthens Fort Lauderdale’s role as a primary jumping-off point for Caribbean vacations.
From the travel experience side, the route offers a direct, efficient link for South Florida passengers and an easy, one-stop option for travelers across the United States. Visitors from major cities including New York, Detroit, Chicago and Boston can now connect through Fort Lauderdale and arrive in Grand Cayman with minimal transit time, a shift that broadens access to the island’s beaches, culinary scene and luxury resorts.
 The schedule — operating Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays — is designed to support weekend trips as well as longer stays.
For Cayman’s tourism stakeholders, the launch signals confidence heading into the new season. The route adds lift from a key U.S. market and supports continued growth at Owen Roberts International Airport, where demand has remained steady. The partnership also reinforces Spirit’s position at Fort Lauderdale, where it now serves twenty four international destinations, more than any other carrier at the airport.
Expanded Access Through Fort Lauderdale
Spirit executives emphasized the value of linking one of the Caribbean’s most recognized destinations with a major U.S. gateway. Andrea Lusso, Vice President of Network Planning, pointed to Grand Cayman’s hospitality reputation and the airline’s focus on expanding convenient, affordable Caribbean routes from Fort Lauderdale. Cayman authorities echoed the significance of the new service, citing improved connectivity, easier entry for U.S. travelers and the benefits for residents moving between the islands and South Florida.
With the added route, Spirit’s network opens Grand Cayman to a broad passenger base that previously required additional connections or longer itineraries. The new flights are expected to support visitor arrivals throughout the peak travel period while giving the local community greater flexibility for regional travel.
Where to StayÂ
Two standout properties capture the range of experiences available on Grand Cayman.
VIDA Cayman offers a quieter, boutique setting in West Bay. The atmosphere leans toward relaxed, residential comfort, with thoughtfully designed rooms, a peaceful pool deck and an overall sense of calm that appeals to travelers seeking a slower pace. It’s a retreat for visitors who prefer a low-key environment and easy access to the island’s natural coastline.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman remains the island’s signature luxury resort on Seven Mile Beach. Guests stay steps from one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated shorelines and have access to elevated dining, a full-service spa, oceanfront pools and spacious rooms and suites. For travelers wanting a classic resort experience with polished amenities and attentive service, it continues to be one of the island’s top choices.
What’s Coming Next Year
Further down the road, the island’s hotel landscape will grow again with the debut of One GT, a major new development slated to open next year. The project is expected to bring a contemporary luxury experience to George Town, adding new accommodations, dining and lifestyle spaces to the capital. Once open, it will broaden the range of stays available on Grand Cayman and strengthen the island’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destinations.