The dual-island destination of Antigua & Barbuda is seeing an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season. New flights from Air Canada that kicked off October 8 are expected to help deliver a recovery to pre-pandemic airlift levels in the Canadian market.
The first Air Canada flight arrived Saturday, carrying 106 passengers from Toronto. The flight was greeted with a water cannon salute and passengers were welcomed by cultural dancers and music and small gifts.
"We are extremely pleased with Air Canada's decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors," said Colin James, CEO of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. "We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving."
The new service is starting off with a single direct flight weekly from Toronto (YYZ) to St. John's (ANU). Service will continue to ramp up to meet holiday season demand, with AC forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic.
Travellers from Montreal looking to fly south for the winter can look forward to once-a-week direct flights (YUL to ANU) beginning December 23.
The return of Air Canada flights to Antigua & Barbuda comes in the wake of the destination's latest travel advisory, which has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving by air, yacht, and ferry. Visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces where crowds are likely to gather.
"Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be," said James. "With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer."
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