Winward Islands Airways International N.V. (WINAIR) has launched a new regional flight service connecting Tortola, St. Kitts and Barbados, strengthening air links between the northern and southern Caribbean and expanding access to Barbados for business, sports and leisure travel.
The inaugural flight landed at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA Inc.) on Thursday, January 15, at 10:24 a.m., where passengers received a warm welcome. Among those arriving were WINAIR Commercial Director Manuel Esu, Marketing Manager Pascalle Wong-A-Foe, and eight journalists from St. Kitts.
Chief Operations Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Cheryl Carter, said the new route is an important boost for regional travel. “The Caribbean is the third-largest visitor market for Barbados, so this new flight service is quite significant in terms of providing connectivity between the north and the south,” Carter told media. “We’re exceptionally pleased that WINAIR decided to inaugurate the service this week.”
Carter also noted that the route opens new opportunities for Barbadians traveling north. “Barbadian shoppers will be able to take advantage of the service for a little retail therapy,” she said, adding that BTMI is committed to working closely with the airline to ensure the route’s success.
BTMI Director for the Caribbean, Graham Clarke, echoed those sentiments, describing the flight as a reflection of Barbados’ growing importance within the region. “This flight demonstrates Barbados’ importance as a growing destination for travelers in the northern Caribbean,” Clarke said. “This is a global hub that we are developing, and this service emphasizes that point.”
WINAIR’s Manuel Esu said the airline has ambitious plans for Barbados as it continues to expand its regional network. “This is already our third destination after operating direct flights from Sint Maarten and Dominica,” he said. “Now we are operating from Tortola and St. Kitts, and this is just the beginning. We really want to expand our operation into Barbados in the future.”
Under the new schedule, flights operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to St. Kitts and onward to Barbados. On Saturdays, the service originates in Sint Maarten, stops in St. Kitts, and then continues to Barbados.
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