20 Underrated Islands Now Connected by New Flight Routes

If your 2025 mood board involves turquoise water and fewer people, you are in luck. A surprising wave of new and expanded air service is quietly putting smaller or lesser known islands on the map. The best part is that many of these flights are short hops, seasonal lifts, or midweek additions that make quick escapes feel easy. Here are twenty islands getting easier to reach right now, plus the exact routes, frequencies, and timetables worth planning around.

1) South Caicos, Turks and Caicos (XSC)

American Airlines now flies nonstop from Miami to South Caicos twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The flight runs about two hours and usually operates with an Embraer 175, which means a two by two seat layout and a quick boarding process. This is the only international service into tiny South Caicos, so seats disappear fast during school breaks. Plan to land at Norman B. Saunders International and be on the beach with a conch salad before lunch.

2) St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD)

Access has jumped thanks to new American Airlines Saturday service from both Charlotte and New York JFK beginning in early December. That adds to the existing New York JFK flights on another United States carrier that run midweek and weekends in the cooler months. Expect single weekly frequencies to build around peak winter demand, making Saturday a sweet spot for weeklong stays. Book early if you want the seamless mainland to Grenadines connection on one ticket.

3) Dominica (DOM)

Miami to Dominica service has stepped up for 2025 with near daily flying and extra frequencies in late fall. August gets a notable boost to roughly six flights per week compared with last year. Winter Saturdays see two Miami departures for better cruise and dive connections. If you are chasing waterfalls and hot springs, these added flights make four to five night trips a lot more practical.

4) Bonaire (BON)

Bonaire’s summer 2025 schedule adds capacity on the Miami run, including multiple weekly flights using larger Boeing 737 800 aircraft. That bigger gauge brings more seats for divers traveling with gear and eases pressure on weekend inventory. The island’s fall and holiday schedules also show expanded service compared with last year. If you prefer quieter reefs, target midweek arrivals when award space and rental pickups are easiest.

5) Anguilla (AXA)

New seasonal service from the New York area begins in December, giving travelers a simple nonstop path right into Anguilla instead of backtracking via St. Maarten. The schedule is designed around long weekend and one week stays, with two times weekly flying at the peak of winter. On the ground, AXA’s small terminal means short lines and quick transfers to the island’s north shore. Watch for shoulder season promotions as the new route builds momentum.

6) Bermuda (BDA)

Bermuda just landed nonstop flights to both LaGuardia and Newark starting late October, running multiple times per week year round. The pattern fills a big convenience gap for travelers who prefer New York’s smaller or closer airports. It also pairs nicely with daytime schedules that let you go carry on only and still make a late afternoon swim. Expect strong business leisure demand to keep fares competitive outside school holidays.

7) Nuuk, Greenland (GOH)

There is now a seasonal transatlantic nonstop from Newark to Nuuk that operates a couple of times per week across summer. Flight times hug daylight windows that maximize your odds of landing under cobalt skies. The aircraft is a single aisle jet with modern cabins and streaming entertainment, so the hop feels simpler than a long haul. Use Nuuk as a base for day tours to the fjords without juggling complicated connections.

8) Madeira, Portugal (FNC)

Summer brings three weekly nonstops from Newark to Funchal, timed for Friday to Sunday turnarounds and seven night trips. The schedule is perfect for hikers linking levada walks and cliffside hotels. With capacity concentrated in peak months, fares tend to be best if you depart midweek and return the following weekend. Funchal’s landing is famously scenic, so grab a window seat on the right side when heading in from the United States.

9) Faroe Islands, Denmark (FAE)

Iceland to Faroe itineraries got easier with near daily service between Reykjavik and Vágar through the warm months. Most days operate in the morning or midday, which helps on tight connections from North America. Flights use efficient narrow bodies that keep costs and prices in check. Book a long daytime layover in Reykjavik on the way back for an effortless two for one trip.

10) Boa Vista, Cape Verde (BVC)

New links from mainland Europe kick off from late October, giving sun seekers a fresh winter beach option in the mid Atlantic. Lisbon and Porto add steady weekly frequencies, which pair well with all inclusive hotel calendars. Shoulder season dates in November and March tend to have the best availability. Expect simple ground transfers and clear water that makes snorkeling very beginner friendly.

11) Sal, Cape Verde (SID)

Sal gains a new Milan connection alongside more flights from Portuguese hubs for the winter of 2025 to 2026. If you want sand dunes, kitesurf spots, and straightforward resort stays, this is the island to pick. Look for two to three weekly flights during peak weeks and at least weekly off peak. Saturday rotations often carry the most inventory for package deals.

12) Lanzarote, Canary Islands (ACE)

The upcoming winter schedule adds multiple fresh routes from secondary European airports, expanding options beyond the usual London and Madrid funnels. Low cost carriers are driving the growth, so carry on strategies will save a bundle. Frequency varies by origin but commonly sits at two to three times a week. Target Tuesday or Wednesday flights for the best mix of price and empty seats.

13) Pico, Azores (PIX)

Lisbon to Pico sees additional summer frequencies in 2025, bringing the route up near daily at peak times. That is a big win for travelers who want to base in Pico for vineyards, whales, and easy ferries to Faial and São Jorge. Schedules are designed to connect from early morning long hauls into Lisbon. If you are planning island hopping, build in a buffer day since inter island crossings can be weather sensitive.

14) Santa Maria, Azores (SMA)

The archipelago’s carriers have layered in extra inter island flights for 2025, including additional Ponta Delgada connections around holidays and shoulder weeks. The result is more chances to reach sleepy Santa Maria without overnighting. Expect smaller turboprops with tight carry on limits, so pack light and gate check your bigger bag. Early flights keep you on schedule for a swim before sunset.

15) Ishigaki, Yaeyama Islands, Japan (ISG)

A new Taipei to Ishigaki nonstop launched in July, running twice weekly to start. It is one of the quickest ways to swap city noodles for tropical sashimi and coral beaches. Typical flight time is under 90 minutes, and the arrival slot supports same day resort check ins. Summer and early fall see the most seats, so book ahead if you are chasing clear water and manta rays.

16) Zanzibar, Tanzania (ZNZ)

New service from Nairobi to Zanzibar operates several times a week and lines up well with long haul arrivals into Kenya. The block time is barely over an hour, which makes Zanzibar an easy add on to a safari. Flights are timed for smooth midday connections and avoid overnight layovers. If you are carrying dive gear, pre book the oversize allowance, as regional aircraft bins can be snug.

17) Mahé, Seychelles (SEZ)

A revived Abu Dhabi to Mahé link is back on the board three days per week for 2025, opening up Middle East and Europe connections on single tickets. Flight times are overnight eastbound and daytime westbound, which helps with jet lag. Premium economy style seating is not common on the route, so consider booking extra legroom aisle seats early. Arrivals are well timed for same day inter island transfers to Praslin or La Digue.

18) Isles of Scilly, England (ISC)

Summer 2025 saw more weekday flights from Newquay into St. Mary’s, plus a fuller schedule across the peak school holiday weeks. Flight time is about 30 minutes in a small twin prop, and luggage limits are enforced, so weigh your bags at home. Morning departures sell first, but mid afternoon departures are great if you are connecting off an early flight into Cornwall. Aim for a Monday to Friday stay to catch the best flight choices with fewer crowds.

19) Guernsey and Jersey, Channel Islands (GCI and JER)

Direct service from Newcastle launched for summer with up to three flights per week. That brings the northeast of England within easy reach of the islands for long weekends and nine day stays. The rotation typically runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, which is ideal for quick breaks. Expect light touch security, short taxi rides, and beaches that feel far from the mainland without a long journey.

20) Niue (IUE)

From May through October, a second weekly Auckland to Niue rotation helps fill demand to one of the Pacific’s most quietly spectacular islands. The extra flight opens more five night and twelve night trip patterns, so you are not locked into a full week. Aircraft are single aisle jets with limited premium seats, and they do sell out. If you are hoping to spot whales, go in July or August and book as early as the calendar allows.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance