Richmond International Airport resumed international passenger service last week with BermudAir flights to Bermuda, ending a decade-long gap in overseas connections.

The twice-weekly service to Hamilton, Bermuda, breaks a lengthy drought that left Richmond among the few mid-sized U.S. cities without direct international routes. Richmond lost its last international service in the mid-2010s as airlines consolidated at larger hubs, forcing travelers to connect through Washington or Charlotte.

BermudAir operates Wednesdays and Saturdays using Embraer regional jets for the two-hour flight to the British territory, targeting leisure travelers drawn to Bermuda’s beaches and golf courses.

“We are proud to partner with BermudAir to offer a seamless, two-hour connection between Virginia’s Capital Region and one of the world’s most stunning island destinations,” said Perry J. Miller, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission.

The service comes as smaller airports struggle to attract international carriers that prefer high-traffic hubs. Richmond handles about 4 million passengers annually, making it Virginia’s second-busiest airport after Washington Dulles.

BermudAir, founded in 2023, has expanded its North American network from Bermuda, recently adding larger Embraer 190 aircraft to complement its E175 fleet.

“Richmond’s blend of history, innovation, and Southern charm makes it an ideal match for Bermuda,” said Adam Scott, BermudAir’s founder and CEO.

The flights offer business and economy seating with complimentary refreshments. Airport officials hope the service will boost tourism and business connections in the Richmond region, which generates about $2.1 billion annually in aviation-related economic activity.