Virgin Atlantic has announced a significant expansion to its Caribbean portfolio. For the first time, it will fly to the island of Barbados from Edinburgh Airport, providing Scotland’s only direct gateway to the Caribbean. The new route marks the first time Virgin Atlantic has flown international flights from the Scottish capital in its 37-year history. The airline will also fly twice weekly to Orlando, Florida from April 2022.
Virgin will also be returning to the island of St Lucia, flying from London Heathrow, whilst there will be new services from Manchester to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The routes will complement Virgin Atlantic’s recently announced Heathrow to Bahamas service, which launches on 19th November and the launch of Europe’s only service direct to the gorgeous St Vincent and the Grenadines on 13th October 2021.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented
“The Caribbean is such an important destination for us and for our customers and we couldn’t be more excited to announce our new routes, as we continue to grow our ever-expanding portfolio.
“We know customers are keen to get away on their next adventure after a challenging year and these Caribbean destinations offer the perfect escape for those travellers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.“For customers based around the UK, we are also thrilled to be able to offer additional routes from both Edinburgh and Manchester. Commencing international flights from Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter and I know our teams can’t wait to show Edinburgh the famous Virgin Atlantic spirit and flair.”
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St Lucia – amber
Virgin Atlantic will start a new seasonal winter service operating three times a week starting from 18th December 2021 on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft with 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. Services will go on sale from 18th August 2021 with return Economy flights starting from £462 per person..You can book or find availability with Virgin Atlantic here.
Barbados – green watchlist
Launching on the 5th December and on sale from 18th August, Edinburgh’s new Caribbean flights will operate twice weekly on an Airbus A330. The airline will also fly twice weekly to Orlando, Florida from April 2022. Barbados offers easy onward connections to the wider Caribbean, with inks to Grenada, St Vincent and Tobago available with Virgin Atlantic.
From 31st October, Virgin Atlantic will increase its services to the much-loved island of Barbados. Flights from Manchester to Barbados will increase from three times a week to five times and from Heathrow, daily flights will increase to 11 times a week.
Note that if you are not vaccinated you will need to isolate for at least 5 days on arrival. Those vaccinated will take a test on arrival and then isolate until they received the results, usually within 24 hours. Some hotels let you use their facilities during this period but you can’t leave the hotel grounds so the beach is out of bounds!
You can book or find availability with Virgin Atlantic here.
Jamaica – amber
Jamaica boasts luscious rainforest, stunning beaches, and a unique culture. Virgin Atlantic will launch thrice-weekly seasonal winter services from Manchester Airport commencing on 6th November on the airline’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft Services will go on sale from 18th August 2021.
Virgin Atlantic will also be increasing its Heathrow services to Jamaica, from three flights up to daily.
You can book or find availability with Virgin Atlantic here.
Bahamas
With 16 major islands surrounded by the world’s clearest waters, The Bahamas boasts beautiful white sand beaches, sailing adventures, fishing and diving as well Exuma’s world-famous swimming pigs! Virgin Atlantic will launch twice-weekly services from London Heathrow commencing on 20th November on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
In addition to its Caribbean expansion, Virgin Atlantic is also expanding its portfolio in Hong Kong and India. For the remainder of August, the airline’s Mumbai route will operate on an A350, the largest in the airline’s fleet, which will increase capacity by 30%. Meanwhile from September, capacity to Hong Kong will rise by 80%, with 4 additional weekly flights and an A350 operating the route.
You can book or find availability with Virgin Atlantic here.
