Providence Debuts New nonstop cancun flights as Seasonal Service Begins Feb. 14
Rhode Island’s T. F. Green International Airport has opened its first regular international link in years, rolling out seasonal nonstop cancun flights with weekly Saturday departures. The inaugural service left on Saturday afternoon, marking a step into international markets for the airport and offering a quicker escape to the Caribbean during the cold months.
What the route offers
The new service operates as an eight-week test program running from mid-February through April, with one round-trip flight each Saturday. The first flight was scheduled to depart at 1: 35 p. m. ET on Feb. 14, 2026, using aircraft suited for the longer haul. One-way fares for the route were listed at $168, with return fares from Cancun beginning near $183, reflecting the low-cost leisure focus of the carrier operating the route.
Officials framed the schedule as a leisure-driven offering designed to give New England residents a straightforward option for weeklong getaways. The Saturday timing is tailored for short vacations: depart Saturday, return the following weekend or as suits individual travel plans. The carrier has characterized this effort as an initial foray into international service from the airport, with future expansion dependent on passenger demand during the test period.
Local reaction and passenger experience
The terminal hosted a small celebration at the gate for the first flight, with airport staff greeting passengers marking the milestone. Travelers praised the convenience: a student traveling with family described leaving home around 10 a. m., driving roughly 15 minutes to the airport, and moving through check-in and TSA quickly. She said the entire process to the gate was smooth and that short ground travel time made the new nonstop especially appealing.
Airport representatives emphasized the time savings of nonstop travel versus connecting itineraries. For many Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts residents, the flight removes the need for a connecting hub and long drives to larger regional airports, making beach-bound travel easier and more accessible during the winter months.
Context and what's next
The service is framed as a seasonal, limited-time route designed to test demand. If the eight-week program shows strong load factors and community uptake, airport officials and the carrier have indicated the possibility of expanding international offerings. The carrier behind the route has been building a network focused on point-to-point, lower-cost travel and sees beach markets as a strong seasonal draw.
Officials urged travelers to take advantage of the limited schedule while it runs, noting that seasonal routes are commonly used to evaluate longer-term viability. For now, passengers can expect a once-weekly Saturday schedule through early spring, with the airport and carrier monitoring bookings, operational performance and passenger feedback to determine next steps.
The launch signals renewed international ambition for the airport, which has primarily handled domestic connections in recent years. For travelers seeking an uncomplicated route to warm weather and white-sand beaches this winter, the new nonstop cancun flights provide a direct, time-saving option from southern New England.
