Barbados is set to experience a significant increase in air travel this winter as Air Canada enhances its services to the island, deploying its cutting-edge Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and expanding flight schedules from Toronto and Montreal. This strategic move underscores growing confidence in Barbados as a premier tourist destination.
Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, highlighted these developments during the launch of the Spirit of Barbados Mega Fam familiarisation tour at the Hilton Barbados Resort. He emphasized that the expanded airlift reflects strong confidence in the island’s tourism offerings and signals the beginning of what is expected to be a record-breaking winter season.
Air Canada will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Barbados route starting next Wednesday, well ahead of the traditional winter season. Known for its fuel efficiency, advanced cabin comfort, and extended range, the Dreamliner is one of the most modern aircraft in operation. The deployment of this aircraft will continue through April 30, 2025, significantly boosting airlift capacity and strengthening the partnership between Barbados and Air Canada.
In addition to the Dreamliner service, Air Canada will commence flights from Montreal on November 2, six weeks earlier than originally planned. The airline will also increase its Toronto-Barbados flights to nine weekly, including double frequencies on Fridays and Sundays during the peak winter travel period. These enhancements are expected to increase seat capacity by 16% for the upcoming season.
Gooding-Edghill noted that these commitments reflect Air Canada’s confidence in Barbados’ consistent year-on-year performance as a sought-after destination and the robust demand projected for the island this winter. He also revealed that Barbados is exploring opportunities to expand its reach across Canada, including new gateways in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, as well as the reintroduction of services from Western Canada.
The minister expressed Barbados’ ambition to establish year-round services from Montreal and introduce new routes from Ottawa and Halifax, ensuring direct connectivity to these regions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Barbados as the most accessible destination in the southern Caribbean, offering visitors a seamless travel experience from takeoff to touchdown.