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As the travel industry emerges from the pandemic all airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, are having to make difficult decisions about schedules, networks and the application of limited resources.
This week Virgin Atlantic announced it would suspend plans for its Edinburgh to Bridgetown Barbados (EDI-BGI) service for the winter period 2022-2023.
'BTMI* are aware of Virgin Atlantic’s decision and understand its position.‘ – commented Cheryl Carter, Director UK/Ireland, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Virgin Atlantic continues to be an important partner to BTMI, the UK travel industry and for tourism to Barbados.
Visitors to Barbados from Scotland and Northern England have numerous options when flying to Bridgetown. Aer Lingus and Virgin Atlantic fly direct to Barbados from Manchester throughout the winter. Aer Lingus have just announced the renewal of their winter 2022-23 Manchester service after a successful inaugural year in 2021-22.
British Airways connect seamlessly from multiple Scottish airports via London Heathrow to Barbados with up to three flights a day in peak season, including a Gatwick service in the winter. British Airways will soon celebrate 70 years of flying to Barbados.
Last week the ‘Barbados Celtic Festival’ returned to the island after a two-year gap during the pandemic. Scottish musicians and media travelled to Barbados with British Airways for the festival.
Barbados had a very successful winter 2021-22 season with visitor numbers back to 2019 levels. All hoteliers reported a very strong season. Likewise, both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic saw strong demand for Barbados during the winter.
The Barbados Summer Savings campaign launched by BTMI in March is having a positive impact with strong hotel and flight demand from the UK for the summer months. The Barbados Summer Savings campaign offers consumers discounts of up to 55% when booking on BarbadosSummerSavings.com.
BTMI will continue to work closely with Virgin Atlantic on both their Manchester Airport (MAN) and London (LHR and LGW) Barbados services. Virgin Atlantic operates a seasonal service from Manchester Airport to Barbados, three times a week, October through March and an all year ‘round service, up to twice daily, from London Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic customers who have already booked flights to Barbados for winter 2022-23 will be contacted by the airline or their travel agent and will be re-booked via Manchester Airport, or can choose a voucher or full refund.
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