United Airlines Plans Year-Round Air Service to Barbados

This marks a significant increase from what was previously only seasonal airlift, November through April, servicing Newark on Saturdays and Dulles on Sundays. This growth demonstrates the huge demand for travel to Barbados from key US markets.

“Initially United Airline’s service to Barbados was introduced in 2021 to support winter travel for passengers on board the Royal Caribbean- Rhapsody of the Seas vessel,” stated Eusi Skeete, [US Director, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI)]. “However, since then, the appeal has grown significantly, with Barbados continuing to see a distinct rise in visitors from the New Jersey, DC, Maryland and Virginia areas.”

Speaking to the surge from the DMV area, Skeete affirmed that this was part of a concerted effort to develop the Barbados brand in this market. “We take a strategic approach by first identifying key markets and cities for growth, then build on that interest, speaking directly to our audiences through targeted marketing,” stated Skeete. “Once we are successfully able to capitalize on the momentum, the business case for airlines to add additional flights or routes is further strengthened.”

“As usual, we are always thankful that we have such responsive travel partners like United Airlines, who we can work alongside to provide more travel options for our customers to meet the ever-increasing demand,” added Skeete. “We are all about building sustainable growth strategies for destination Barbados, to ensure that these partnerships, and by extension airlift, are long-standing.”

This expanded airlift from United Airlines also comes just in time for travelers interested in attending the highly anticipated Barbados Food and Rum festival, October 19-22, 2023.