Cutting the Ribbon for Cayman Airways: Inaugural Nonstop Service to Grand Cayman, Launching the Carrier’s Only Nonstop Flight from Texas

On Sunday, May 24, a new aircraft touched down on the Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) runway for the first time. The livery read Cayman Airways—and while new planes arrive at AUS every day, this one marked something special: the launch of a new summer nonstop service between Austin and Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) in Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman matches their stunning landscapes with jaw-dropping experiences. Travelers can sink their toes into the white sands of Seven Mile Beach or dive into world‑famous underwater sites like the Kittiwake shipwreck. Beyond the shoreline, the island offers unforgettable experiences at Stingray City, the Cayman Crystal Caves, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and its glowing Bioluminescent Bay.

As the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Grand Cayman also delivers a vibrant dining scene and duty‑free shopping in George Town.

A Caribbean Celebration

Bringing that island spirit to AUS, the event kicked off with a warm welcome for inaugural passengers who were greeted with turquoise socks, pens, fruity mocktails, turtle plushies, and butter cookies that captured the spirit of the new route in a single bite. As travelers wandered the gate area with their tropical fruit cups, they could also step into a photobooth experience that transported them straight into the island’s lush scenery.

AUS marked the inaugural departure with a ribbon‑cutting celebration that packed Gate 6 with airport leaders, airline partners, community organizations, excited passengers, and visiting Cayman Islands officials, including Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Transport, and Ayanna Victorin, Acting U.S. General Manager for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

“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.”

“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.”

As the celebration wrapped, the Swanky Kitchen Band and Quadrille Dancers brought the energy up once more, drawing cheers, claps, and a few inspired dance moves from attendees.

“Guys, can we point out how they just got off a long flight too!” emcee and Marketing Manager Tae Martinez said as she thanked the performers.

The Real Vacation Begins

Although boarding soon began promptly, the celebration continued as the first group of travelers headed off toward clear waters and island breezes. Cayman Airways’ new seasonal, once‑weekly nonstop service operates on from now through Aug. 16, 2026, creating a direct gateway for Texans seeking an unforgettable Caribbean escape.

If this inaugural moment has you dreaming of your own island getaway, now’s the time to make it happen. Tickets are available for purchase at CaymanAirways.com or through local travel agents.

For more nonstop flights from AUS, visit: https://www.flyaustin.com/nonstop-flights-out-aus.

Disclaimer: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport hereby disclaims any responsibility for any flight cancellations made by the airline. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport advises all customers to check with the airline for any cancellation information.