Delta Air Lines will operate seasonal nonstop service between New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Key West International Airport (EYW) beginning March 9, 2019 and running through August 21, 2019. The new route offers additional weekend travel options between the New York market and the Florida Keys.
Service will be operated by Delta Connection carrier Republic Airline using Embraer E-170 aircraft. Each E-170 seats 69 passengers, including nine first-class seats, providing a comfortable option for both leisure and business travelers.
Delta’s announcement was welcomed by local airport officials. “This new weekend service from New York City, one of our strongest inbound domestic markets, is excellent news for Key West International Airport and the Lower Keys,” said Richard Strickland, director of airports, the Florida Keys & Key West.
Flight schedules are timed for weekend travelers. Flights depart LaGuardia on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m., arriving in Key West at 12:43 p.m. The return leg departs Key West at 1:13 p.m., arriving back at LaGuardia at 4:24 p.m., allowing passengers a full afternoon in either market on travel days.
The route launch comes as Key West continues its recovery from Hurricane Irma. As of May 2019, 86 percent of lodging units on the island were reported back online, and lodging availability has continued to increase as reconstruction and repairs progress. The added service supports the island’s ongoing tourism rebound by improving access for visitors from the Northeast.