Henry E. Rohlsen Airport is a public-use airport located on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. It serves the city of Christiansted and the surrounding region, providing both scheduled commercial service and general‑aviation facilities. The airport is identified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code STX and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code TIST.
Overview
- Location: Approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Owner/Operator: Government of the United States Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources – Aviation Division.
- Elevation: 32 feet (10 m) above mean sea level.
- Runway: One asphalt runway designated 10/28, measuring 3,049 m (10,009 ft) in length and 45 m (148 ft) in width.
The airport accommodates both passenger jet aircraft and smaller turboprop and piston‑engine planes. It functions as a hub for inter‑island travel within the Caribbean and provides limited direct service to the United States mainland.
History
The airfield was originally constructed during World War II by the United States Army Air Forces as a military installation to support operations in the Caribbean theater. After the war, the facility was transferred to civilian control and began commercial operations in the late 1940s.
In 1976 the airport was officially renamed Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in honor of Henry Ernest Rohlsen (1919 – 1945), a native of St. Croix who served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces and was the first Virgin Islander to earn an officer’s commission in the U.S. armed forces. Rohlsen was killed in action over the Philippines in 1945, and the renaming recognized his pioneering service.
Subsequent upgrades have included runway resurfacing, expansion of the passenger terminal, and installation of modern navigation aids to accommodate larger aircraft and increase safety.
Facilities
- Passenger Terminal: A single terminal building houses departure gates, immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim, passenger services (e.g., dining, retail, car rental), and administrative offices.
- Air Traffic Services: The airport maintains an uncontrolled field with a part‑time air traffic control tower operating during peak commercial hours.
- Ground Transportation: Rental car companies, taxis, and local shuttle services operate from the terminal. Public bus routes connect the airport to major towns on St. Croix.
- Cargo: Limited cargo handling capabilities support the import and export of goods for the island’s economy.
Airlines and destinations
As of the most recent timetable, the following airlines operate scheduled passenger service to and from Henry E. Rohlsen Airport:
| Airline | Destination(s) | Service type |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines (via American Eagle) | Miami (MIA) – United States | Mainline and regional jet service |
| Delta Air Lines (via Delta Connection) | Atlanta (ATL) – United States | Regional jet service |
| Spirit Airlines | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – United States | Low‑cost carrier, narrow‑body jets |
| Air Canada Rouge | Toronto (YYZ) – Canada (seasonal) | Wide‑body aircraft, scheduled seasonal service |
| Inter‑Caribbean Airlines | Various Caribbean islands (e.g., Antigua, St. Kitts) | Regional turboprop service |
Service offerings are subject to change based on airline scheduling and seasonal demand.
Statistics
The airport records passenger enplanements in the low‑hundreds of thousands per annum, reflecting its role as a primary gateway for both residents and tourists traveling to St. Croix. Exact annual figures vary year‑to‑year and are published by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Ground access and connectivity
- Road access: Airport Road provides direct connection to the island’s primary highway network.
- Parking: Short‑term and long‑term parking facilities are available adjacent to the terminal.
- Utilities: The airport is equipped with modern lighting, navigation (e.g., VOR/DME, GPS approaches), and weather observation equipment, conforming to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
See also
- List of airports in the United States Virgin Islands
- St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Transportation in the United States Virgin Islands
References
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Airport Master Record (Form 5010) for TIST.
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Airport Data.
- Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources – Aviation Division publications.
- Historical records on Henry Ernest Rohlsen, United States Army Air Forces archives.