JetBlue expands service to Barbados this winter

JetBlue is increasing its airlift to Barbados for the 2024/2025 winter season.

Kelly Bourne, general manager of JetBlue Airways, Barbados and Grenada, made this disclosure on Tuesday during celebratory activities to mark the 15th anniversary of the airline doing business with Barbados.

During a press conference held at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), Bourne said: “Today, we celebrate an exciting moment in our journey – 15 years ago, the first JetBlue flight from JFK [airport] New York took off to Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport. During these 15 years we have certainly grown, we’ve grown our Barbados network, expanding service not only to JFK New York but also to Boston. Today, we offer up to two daily flights from JFK and we will start operating up to three weekly flights this winter from Boston Logan International Airport to Barbados.”

Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding Edghill said the partnership between Barbados and JetBlue is vital in shaping the island’s tourism landscape.

“For the past decade and a half, JetBlue has been a bridge – bringing families together, welcoming visitors to our shores, and strengthening the bond between Barbados and the United States,” he said.

“JetBlue’s loyalty, especially during the unprecedented challenges faced by the global airline industry, highlights a strong and valued partnership. As a true testament to the airline’s commitment to our destination, from January to July 2024, JetBlue’s New York service accounted for 27 per cent of total US arrivals . . . . This partnership has helped to cement the Barbados brand in the minds of many visitors. In April 2024, the US recorded the majority of stay-over arrivals at 20 373, thanks in part to JetBlue’s connectivity, which supports both business and leisure travel.”

The minister added: “The success of our steadfast partnership over the past 15 years has been a significant milestone in the history of Barbados tourism, and I am confident that the mutual benefits will continue to flow for both JetBlue and our beautiful island. As we embark on the next chapter of this aviation alliance, we remain committed to working closely with JetBlue Airways to attract even more visitors to Barbados for years to come.”

As part of the 15th-anniversary celebrations, there was a special welcome at GAIA for flight JB361 from JFK which touched down around 3:55 p.m.

Passengers and officials were greeted with rhythmic sounds from the tuk band and dance performances as they disembarked the plane. (SZB)