On October 20th, 2021, Barbados is set to become the first Aer Lingus Caribbean destination with three weekly services between Manchester and Bridgetown, Barbados – with direct connections for NI travellers from Belfast City Airport.
Flights will operate twice weekly until the beginning of November 2021, when they will then increase to three times per week, offering even more access to the beautiful island of Barbados for UK and Irish holidaymakers.
The new direct route from Manchester will operate on an Airbus A330-300 series, with both economy (287 seats) and business class (30 seats) fares. Flights are on sale from today, March 24th, 2021 and will depart Manchester at 10:15 and arrive at Bridgetown at 14:35.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, welcomed the announcement, saying: “Barbados is today celebrating the news that Aer Lingus will begin flying from Manchester to Bridgetown this October. The establishment of this new service, from one of the busiest airports in the UK, will offer even more connectivity options for UK holidaymakers, business travellers and residents.
“Manchester Airport serves over 22 million people and is easily accessible from all over Northern England and Scotland, by road, air and rail. We look forward to showing UK travellers that Barbados is a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”
Commenting on Barbados’ historical links with Ireland, Minister Cummins said: “Barbados has a long, shared history with Ireland, one which is of great significance and importance to the many Barbadians of Irish heritage. The establishment of this new Aer Lingus route will allow the relationship between our two countries to continue to grow and flourish.”
She continued: “With connectivity from both Dublin, Belfast and Cork, it is now easier than ever for Irish people to come and explore the beautiful Island of Barbados. This is the start of a long-term relationship with Aer Lingus. In the future, Barbados hopes to see a direct service from Dublin to complement this Manchester route.”
In addition to having strict travel protocols in place for travellers, Barbados has so far vaccinated 60,000 individuals, which represents about 30% of the adult population, giving holidaymakers reassurance when planning their trip. Barbados now leads the way as the most vaccinated country in the Caribbean.
Minister Cummins added: “We are hoping that over the coming months we will have a new look tourism industry that will reflect the new public health imperatives, and by October when the service commences, our partners and Barbados alike would have achieved our respective vaccination level targets that allow for the safe resumption of travel and the return of traveller confidence.”
In July 2020, Barbados launched the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp visa offers individuals from across the globe the opportunity to live and work remotely in paradise. Over 500 people from the UK and over 70 people from Ireland have applied for the visa to date, with many now working remotely from the island.
