The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has announced the discontinuation of direct flights connecting Barbados and Grand Cayman, operated by Cayman Airways, effective July 3rd, 2024. Starting from May 17th, 2024, the service will operate once weekly until its termination, marking the end of the Thursday/Friday flight rotation.
BTMI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Franklin, explained that the decision was made following a comprehensive review of airlift into Barbados during the recently concluded winter season. After evaluating the route’s performance, BTMI and Cayman Airways mutually agreed to terminate the arrangement.
Franklin clarified that the Cayman Airways route was primarily established to enhance air travel connectivity between Barbados, the northern Caribbean, and the West Coast of the USA. However, in the past six months, BTMI has announced significant initiatives to boost seat capacity from its core markets, resulting in an anticipated 60,000-seat increase for Barbados during the upcoming winter season.
Additionally, Copa Airlines, a popular choice for connecting travelers from the USA’s West Coast to Barbados, has increased its weekly flights from three to four since January 2024.
“The strategic increase in airlift to Barbados from existing and new gateways in our key source markets is crucial to BTMI’s growth strategy,” Franklin emphasized. “Due to our intensified marketing efforts in these markets, we have witnessed a surge in demand for Barbados, resulting in a 74% growth from the USA, while capacity from the Caribbean market has increased by 63%.”
Franklin expressed gratitude to Cayman Airways for their support and indicated the possibility of future partnerships.
The Minister of Tourism and Transport for the Cayman Islands, the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, acknowledged the decision, stating that the Ministry of Tourism understands the need for flexibility in the ever-changing air travel landscape.
Cayman Airways will continue to operate flights until July 3rd, 2024, to accommodate the anticipated demand during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
