St Vincent’s The Minister of Tourism Dr. Kishore Shallow, characterized the inaugural Delta Airlines flight as a “proud and defining moment” for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He described the new service as a “bridge” that more directly connects the multi-island nation to global opportunities and a future the government is deliberately shaping.
Shallow noted that Delta’s decision to establish service reflects a global recognition of the country’s growing appeal, improving infrastructure, and readiness to engage with international partners.
From a tourism perspective, he emphasized that direct and reliable connectivity is essential for the country to compete in the global market. He highlighted the “authenticity” of the destination, citing locations like the lush mainland, the La Soufrière volcano, and the exclusive charm of islands such as Mustique, Canouan, Bequia, and Union Island.
Shallow viewed the arrival as a sign of confidence in the nation’s aviation ecosystem, regulatory framework, and safety oversight.
While stating that the Argyle International Airport was a fantastic investment by the former government, he committed the current government to modernizing civil aviation policies and ensuring compliance with international best practices.
The Minister stated that every flight creates jobs, supports families, and strengthens small businesses. However, he issued a “call to action” to local stakeholders, stating that increased airlift demands “excellence on the ground” and improved service quality to meet the new opportunity.
He clarified that this is not intended to be a single route but the beginning of a long-term partnership that the government intends to relish and strengthen in the coming years.