By Caribbean News Global contributor
NASSAU, Bahamas — Virgin Atlantic has announced new flying to London Heathrow from The Bahamas this winter as well as increasing frequency from Barbados
“As travel restrictions around the world begin to relax, the new services aim to respond to the pent-up demand from travellers looking to swap their staycations for vacations in the vibrant city of London or to visit friends and family in the UK,” Nicki Goldsmith, head of leisure sales at Virgin Atlantic commented: “We couldn’t be more excited to add the Bahamas to our ever-expanding portfolio of Caribbean destinations.”
Goldsmith continued: “We’re currently flying from Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and Grenada and expect to restart Tobago and Havana, Cuba in the upcoming months. We look forward to launching new services from the Bahamas as well as the first direct service to Europe from St Vincent and the Grenadines in October 2021. As we head into winter 2021, we look forward to expanding our Caribbean portfolio from six islands up to eight and we are incredibly excited to welcome customers onboard flying from our destinations both old and new, heading off on holiday or travelling to visit loved ones.”
In a press release, the airline says, Virgin Atlantic will launch twice-weekly services to London Heathrow commencing on November 20, on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. Services will go on sale from August 11, 2021, with return Economy flights starting from USD $977 per person.
“We are incredibly thrilled about Virgin Atlantic’s new, twice-weekly airlift services from London’s Heathrow Airport, which will allow travellers to opt for a direct flight to the capital of The Bahamas,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas minister of tourism & aviation. “There is a growing demand amongst UK travelers seeking a tropical, Bahamian escape. We look forward to welcoming them to our beautiful shores to experience what makes our country a unique Caribbean destination unlike any other.”
In addition, from October 31, “Virgin Atlantic looks forward to increasing its services from the much-loved island of Barbados. Flights to Manchester from Barbados will increase from three times a week to five times and Heathrow, daily flights will increase to 11 times a week,” the press release stated.
