Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados is preparing for an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic this December, with tourism officials predicting December 20 to be the busiest day in the airport’s history. Civil Aviation Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill hailed this milestone as a “historic occasion,” marking a significant achievement for the island’s aviation sector. The airport is already bracing for a high-volume day on “Fat Thursday,” November 30, when approximately 8,000 passengers are expected to pass through. However, December 20 is set to surpass this, just five days into the official winter tourist season. While Gooding-Edghill did not disclose exact figures for December, he emphasized the collaborative efforts of airport staff and aviation stakeholders in achieving this milestone. On “Fat Thursday,” 53 aircraft, excluding cargo and private jets, are scheduled to land, including 21 commercial flights, 19 air-to-sea transfers, and regional carriers. Notably, five flights from Germany, operated by Discover Airlines, Condor, and TUI, will facilitate air-to-cruise port operations. The surge in arrivals reflects a broader expansion of services, including double daily flights from the UK, a first for the winter season. This initiative is part of a strategic effort to reduce tourism seasonality and build sustainable airlift capacity. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and Air Canada are also extending services and deploying larger aircraft to strengthen connections. To manage the increased traffic, over 100 temporary seasonal workers have been hired by Caribbean Aircraft Handling and Goddard Catering Group. Gooding-Edghill stressed the importance of efficiency in handling the high volume of flights and passengers, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.