St. Croix Airport: Does It Exist?

St. Croix, an island in the United States Virgin Islands, has two airports: Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) and St Croix Island SPB, also known as Christiansted Harbor Seaplane Port (SBB). The former is located six miles southwest of Christiansted and is the main airport on the island. It is named after a St. Croix native who was one of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The airport covers 1,455 acres of land and features a 10,004 ft long runway. It is served by several major domestic carriers, regional airlines, and cargo and military aircraft. The smaller St Croix Island SPB is a seaplane terminal located on the boardwalk in downtown Christiansted.

Henry E. Rohlsen Airport

St. Croix is served by the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (IATA: STX, ICAO: TISX, FAA LID: STX), a public airport located six miles (10 km) southwest of Christiansted on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. The airport is named after Henry E. Rohlsen, a St. Croix native and Tuskegee Airman during World War II.

The airport covers an area of 1,455 acres (589 ha) and features a two-story terminal spanning 181,000 square feet, with 10 gates. The asphalt runway measures 10,004 ft x 150 ft (3,049 m x 46 m) and is capable of accommodating jets up to the size of Boeing 747s. The airport is served by major domestic carriers and receives daily inter-island flights, as well as cargo and military aircraft operations.

The hours of operation for the airport terminal are from 6 am to 11 pm, with aircraft rescue and firefighting services available during that time. The Air Traffic Control Tower operates from 7 am to 10 pm, while the runway remains open 24 hours. The minimum recommended arrival time for passengers at the airport is 90 minutes prior to departure for obtaining boarding passes or checking bags.

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has embarked on a modernisation project for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, aiming to enhance its facilities and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases over a six-year period, with a total estimated cost of $140 million.

Airlines that fly to St. Croix

St. Croix is served by Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, with the airport code STX. Several major airlines offer direct flights to St. Croix from the U.S. mainland, including:

American Airlines

American Airlines offers direct daily flights from Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). They also offer flights from other U.S. cities, including Dallas (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL), Boston (BOS), and New York (NYC).

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines offers a direct flight daily from Atlanta, GA (ATL) from December through mid-April. They also have Saturday-only flights in November and mid-April through early June.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines operates a direct flight from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with nonstop service to St. Croix. This flight is daily from February through mid-December, then 4x/week over the holidays, and increases to 5x/week in January.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines offers a direct flight weekly on Saturdays from Orlando, FL (MCO) and multiple weekly flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).

JetBlue

Beginning in December 2024, JetBlue will be offering a non-stop daily flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).

Bohlke International Airways

Bohlke International Airways offers private charter flights from Miami, FL (MIA) and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to St. Croix (STX).

Cape Air

Cape Air offers multiple daily flights from San Juan, PR (SJU) to St. Croix (STX). They also have ticketing and baggage agreements with several major airlines, allowing you to book your luggage and tickets all the way through on a single itinerary in many cases.

Fly the Whale

Fly the Whale offers several flights weekly between St. Croix and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SIG). They also provide nine daily flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix on weekdays, and eight flights daily on weekends.

Silver Airways | Seaborne

Silver Airways | Seaborne offers flights from San Juan, PR (SJU) to St. Croix (STX).

United Airlines

United Airlines offers flights to St. Croix from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally. Popular departure airports include New York/Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH), and Chicago (ORD).

St. Croix Airport facilities

St. Croix is served by Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (IATA: STX, ICAO: TISX, FAA LID: STX), a public airport six miles (10 km) southwest of Christiansted on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. The airport is named after Henry E. Rohlsen, a St. Croix native and Tuskegee Airman during World War II. It is accessible via taxi and public transportation, with facilities for disabled travellers.

The airport covers an area of 1,455 acres (589 ha) and features a single asphalt-paved runway (10/28) measuring 10,004 ft × 150 ft (3,049 m × 46 m). The terminal was expanded and modernised in 2021, with additional renovations planned as part of a $150 million project. The terminal features increased walking and seating areas, updated lounges, and open-air gardens. The airport can accommodate jets as large as the Boeing 747 and offers services such as mobile boarding passes, self-service check-in, and Flagship First Check-In.

A variety of airlines operate at the airport, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines, offering direct flights to destinations such as Miami, Boston, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. Inter-island and cargo airlines serving St. Croix include Ameriflight, Cape Air, Seaborne Airlines, and Silver Airways. The airport also caters to charter and private flight options, with companies like Bohlke International Aviation providing fuel and maintenance services.

The airport has a range of facilities to accommodate travellers' needs, including rental car companies, taxi services, and resources for travellers with disabilities. The main terminal is open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and it does not accept cash or checks. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for checking in and boarding.

St. Croix Airport transportation

St. Croix does have an airport—the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, with the airport code STX. It is serviced by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.

Getting to and from the Airport

By Car

There are many car rental agencies on St. Croix, offering vehicles ranging from small economy cars to full-size vans, as well as Jeeps, convertibles, SUVs, and minivans. To rent a car, you must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can purchase a temporary license. It is important to remember that St. Croix drives on the left.

By Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport, as well as in Christiansted on King Street and by the Market Square, and in Frederiksted on Strand Street and by the cruise ship dock. Taxi drivers carry rate cards with approved fares set by the Taxi Commission, and fares are charged by zone. A typical island tour costs between $30 and $45 for up to two people, with an additional $12 per person for extra passengers.

By Bus

Public buses, operated by VITRAN, also serve St. Croix. Fares are typically around $1, and buses operate between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. every day, connecting most residential, commercial, and tourist areas. However, buses may not always be reliable in terms of punctuality.

By Ferry

There is currently no ferry service between St. Croix and St. Thomas. However, there are alternative travel options, such as Seaborne Airlines.

St. Croix Airport history

St. Croix is served by Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (IATA: STX, ICAO: TISX, FAA LID: STX), a public airport six miles (10 km) southwest of Christiansted on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. The airport is named after Henry E. Rohlsen, a St. Croix native and Tuskegee Airman during World War II. It was previously known as Alexander Hamilton International Airport, named after former St. Croix resident Alexander Hamilton, until 1996 when it was renamed to honour Rohlsen.

During World War II, the airport was called Benedict Airfield and was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force for antisubmarine patrols. The military operated the airport from 8 November 1941 to 10 November 1942, flying B-18 Bolo aircraft.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the airport served as a hub for Aero Virgin Islands. Several airlines have operated scheduled passenger jet services to St. Croix over the years, including Air Florida, Caribair, Continental Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Midway Airlines, Pan Am, and Trans Caribbean Airways. American Airlines has served St. Croix for many years, offering nonstop flights to New York City as early as 1974.

The airport covers an area of 1,455 acres (589 ha) and features a single asphalt-paved runway measuring 10,004 ft × 150 ft (3,049 m × 46 m). It can accommodate jets up to the size of Boeing 747s. The airport underwent a terminal modernisation and expansion project in 2021, with plans for further $150 million renovations in the works.

Frequently asked questions