New non-stop flight from Halifax to Barbados to take off this year

The sun sets on a Barbados beach. (Courtesy: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.)

A new non-stop flight from Halifax to the Caribbean will take flight starting Dec. 17.

Running between Halifax and Barbados, the Air Canada flight will operate weekly on Thursdays.

“Increasing airlift and improving accessibility to the island remains a key priority of this ministry, and this new route is directly aligned with our overall airlift strategy for the destination,” said Barbados Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill in a Monday news release from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).

BTMI says Canada is one of Barbados’ key source markets and the announcement comes after 18 months of work building partnerships in Atlantic Canada.

“With this new non-stop service, Barbados continues to strengthen its position within the Canadian market, enhancing ease of travel while reinforcing its reputation as a premier Caribbean destination,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of BTMI, in the release.

“We’re thrilled to add Barbados to our growing route map with this new winter service from Air Canada,” said Joyce Carter, president & CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, in the release. “Nova Scotia and Barbados share a long-standing connection, and this non-stop service will make it easier than ever to strengthen those ties.”

Air Canada will fly a 177-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to the island nation known for its rich history and colourful culture.

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