Air Canada expands Barbados flights ahead of winter season

Barbados is poised for a surge in airlift this winter as Air Canada ramps up services to the island, introducing its Dreamliner aircraft and expanding flight schedules from both Toronto and Montreal in a move signalling deepening confidence in “Destination Barbados”.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, told the launch of the Spirit of Barbados Mega Fam familiarisation tour at the Hilton Barbados Resort on Thursday that the new developments reflect confidence in the island’s tourism product and signal the start of what promises to be a record-breaking winter season.

Gooding-Edghill announced that Air Canada will begin deploying its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Barbados route from next Wednesday to Sunday, well ahead of the traditional start of the winter season.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, also known as the 789, is known for its fuel efficiency, advanced cabin comfort and longer range, making it one of the most modern aircraft in operation.

“The continued deployment of the Dreamliner through April 30 next year will represent a significant boost in airlift and underscores this deepening strategic engagement between Barbados and Air Canada,” he stated.

In addition to the Dreamliner service, the minister revealed that Air Canada will commence service from Montreal on November 2, “an astonishing six weeks earlier than originally scheduled, along with an expansion of flights from Toronto to nine weekly, including double frequencies on Fridays and Sundays during the peak travel winter period”.

“These commitments are a clear reflection of Air Canada’s confidence in Barbados’ substantive year-on-year performance as a popular destination, as well as the robust demand projected for the island this upcoming season,” Gooding-Edghill said.

He noted that the expanded schedule would bring about a 16 per cent increase in seat capacity for the upcoming season.

“We are pleased with this bold expression of support by Air Canada, and certainly the expected 16 per cent increase in seat capacity for the 2025–26 winter season allows us to further solidify Barbados’ status as a premier destination with enduring appeal to Canadian travellers,” he added.

Gooding-Edghill shared that the tourism and international transport ministry was also exploring new opportunities to expand the island’s reach across Canada.

“We have recognised that there’s heightened demand from some of our secondary markets,” he said. “You can be rest assured that we are dedicated to continuing the groundwork already started, ensuring that we actively pursue the introduction of new gateways in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, as well as the reintroduction of service from Western Canada.”

He added that Barbados is “keen to make the launch a year-round service from Montreal a reality, in addition to establishing new services from Ottawa and Halifax to ensure direct connectivity to those regions”.

The minister said the strengthening of airlift partnerships and expansion of flight routes are part of a wider strategy to position Barbados as the most accessible destination in the southern Caribbean, while ensuring that visitors enjoy a seamless travel experience from takeoff to touchdown.

(LG)