AMBERGRIS Cay, a secluded private island nestled on the Caicos Banks 600 miles south of Miami, has long drawn visitors who value its pristine waters, natural setting and luxury accommodations. But now, reaching the island resort and home ownership community has become much more convenient following a reclassification of its international airport.

Visitors to Ambergris Cay can now fly in private aircraft, up to 92ft (28m) in size directly into Ambergris Cay International Airport – one of the longest runways in the Caribbean. This innovation follows the airport’s upgrade to Tier 1 status.

Previously visitors could fly into the island’s 5,700ft (1,740m) airport only if they owned the aircraft in which they travelled – either directly or as part of a fractional ownership scheme. Only Part 91 flights were allowed to fly directly into the island.

But those travelling on charter aircraft – designated as Part 135 commercial flights – were required to land at an FBO near the main airport on the island of Providenciales. The visitors would then board one of the private island’s fleet of four aircraft, including a Cessna Caravan and a Twin Otter, starting in early November for the short flight to Ambergris Cay.

Andreas Naegele, vice president of hospitality explains how the investment to reclassify the island’s airport has boosted the service to clients. “We want to provide our visitors and residents with a more seamless journey in arriving at Ambergris Cay,” he says.

“Arrive effortlessly via a direct charter flight to our private island resort, bypassing the need for transfers from Providenciales. Guests can now step onto their charter jet in Boston, Miami or New York and step off directly onto our island paradise of Ambergris Cay,” adds Naegele.

Ambergris Cay is home to a collection of sophisticated one and two-bedroom bungalows and 10 expansive 3- to 11-bedroom villas located across the island – with hints for more accommodations to premier late 2025/early 2026. Those interested in joining or expanding their footprint as part of the private island’s home ownership community can select from 20 homesites for custom builds or five turnkey villas.