Barbados’ tourism landscape is set to receive a significant boost as the island prepares for the return of Delta Air Lines, with an impressive addition of 25,000 seats to its winter 2024/2025 airlift.
This announcement, made by Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, marks a key moment in Barbados’ efforts to enhance its global connectivity and reinforce its position as a premier travel destination.
Reinvigorating Barbados Air Travel
Over recent months, Barbados has worked proactively to bolster its airline connections worldwide, spearheaded by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).
Minister Gooding-Edghill unveiled that the culmination of these efforts has now resulted in a finalized agreement, paving the way for Delta Air Lines’ return to the island starting November of this year.
Delta Air Lines: A Welcome Return
Expressing his elation, Minister Gooding-Edghill heralded the return of Delta Air Lines, a prominent North American carrier, to the Barbados skies.
“I am delighted to announce a further boost in our rewarding air traffic efforts with the announcement that well-known and highly credible major North American airline, Delta Air Lines, will be resuming service to Barbados,” said the Minister.
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Delta’s last services involved a touchdown at the Grantley Adams International Airport in 2016 from New York, and 2017 from Atlanta.
Delta’s renewed service, commencing November 23, will encompass a seven-day-a-week schedule from Atlanta, Georgia, along with a once-weekly flight from New York, set to debut on December 21.
This network move by Delta is poised to not only augment Barbados’ air traffic but will also lay the groundwork for a potential expansion into a year-round service.
In the short term, the new Atlanta to Barbados service will enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers, with flights departing Atlanta at 9:45 a.m. and arriving in Barbados at 3:20 p.m.
The return leg from Barbados is scheduled to depart at 4:40 p.m., reaching Atlanta at 9:00 p.m. Additionally, the Saturday-only service from JFK will depart at 8:15 a.m., with a return journey departing Barbados at 3:25 p.m., arriving at JFK at 7:35 p.m.
Both services will be operated utilizing Delta’s 737-800 aircraft until April 2025.
Confidence in Barbados’ Appeal
Minister Gooding-Edghill underscored Delta’s decision to resume services as a testament to the airline’s confidence in Barbados’ allure as a travel destination.
He emphasized that Delta’s presence will bolster the island’s connectivity, particularly with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, positioning Barbados as a hub for seamless travel connections to the South and Midwest regions of the United States.
The resumption of Delta’s service also presents Barbados with a unique opportunity to tap into the extensive SkyMiles passenger membership loyalty program, comprising over 100 million members.
This partnership not only elevates Barbados’ visibility but also opens avenues for showcasing the island’s unique charm and attractions to a vast audience of potential travelers.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
Minister Gooding-Edghill extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, the BTMI, and Delta Air Lines officials for their instrumental roles in facilitating Delta’s return to Barbados.
Chief Executive Officer at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Hadley Bourne, affirmed the airport’s readiness to accommodate the surge in aircraft and passengers, particularly during peak hours, through ongoing infrastructure enhancements.
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