BermudAir’s new, twice-weekly direct service between the island and the North Carolina state capital, Raleigh, will run on Mondays and Fridays, using a 70-seat Embraer E175 aircraft, targeting both weekend leisure travellers and business passengers.

The route to Raleigh-Durham International Airport is described by both airline officials and the RDU Airport Authority as a strategic move that enhances Bermuda’s connectivity to a growing US innovation corridor.

“This new route strengthens ties for leisure, business and education,” said Adam Scott, founder and chief executive of BermudAir. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience the beauty and warmth of Bermuda.”

The Research Triangle region of North Carolina is a home to major universities and tech firms and has long been a point of interest for Bermudians studying abroad or seeking business opportunities. The new service also offers a quick getaway for American travellers that is only two hours away.

Michael Landguth, the president and chief executive of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, said: “Thousands of travellers fly between RDU and Bermuda each year on vacation, for business opportunities and to pursue an education at our colleges and universities. We expect that number to grow now that residents of both regions have a quick, convenient way to travel on BermudAir.”

Until now, flights between RDU and Bermuda required at least one stopover. BermudAir’s direct route is the only non-stop option on offer.

The announcement also comes as RDU experiences record international expansion. It has recently added routes to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Canada.

The Bermuda connection marks the 15th international destination now served by the North Carolina airport.

For Bermuda, the move signals a broader push to deepen air links to new markets in the US, particularly secondary hubs beyond the traditional East Coast gateways.