Virgin Atlantic has announced a new route to the Bahamas from Heathrow this winter, and upped its frequencies to Barbados.
The transatlantic specialist airline said the new services aim to respond to the pent-up demand from consumers for the Caribbean.
The twice-weekly services from Heathrow to the Bahamas begin on November 20. Flights go on sale August 11. Economy fares lead in at £713.
It will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
Virgin Atlantic is also to increase UK capacity to Barbados by 60% from October 31, and will now offer five flights per week from Manchester and 11 flights per week from Heathrow – up from three and seven per week respectively.
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Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to add the Bahamas to our ever-expanding portfolio of Caribbean destinations.
“We are seeing a real demand from our customers for luxury holidays in the sun with Brits keen to escape on their next adventure after a difficult year.
“With 16 islands surrounded by the world’s clearest water, the Bahamas offers the perfect escape for those travellers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.”
Virgin is currently flying to Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and Grenada and expects to restart its Tobago and Cuba services “in the upcoming months”. It also plans to introduce the first direct service from Europe to St Vincent and the Grenadines in October.
“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 to our destinations both old and new, heading off on holiday or travelling to visit loved ones,” said Jarvinen.
Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas minister of tourism and aviation, said: “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.
“There is a growing demand among UK travellers 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.”