Virgin Atlantic has announced new flights to the Caribbean as part of its upcoming Winter 2021 schedule, and will for the first time, fly international routes out of Edinburgh Airport, Scotland.
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Virgin Atlantic New Route From Edinburgh to Barbados
Virgin Atlantic has set up a new hub out of Scotland, with plans to launch international flights from Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Barbados (BGI) will be the first to benefit, as the airline will launch twice weekly service between Scotland and the Caribbean island from December 5, 2021, operating the route with an Airbus A330-200. Fares will start as low as £419 per person, and customers can book one of three fares in either Upper Class (business class), Premium Economy or Economy.
Customers traveling onto further destinations can benefit from the airline’s interline agreement with Caribbean Airlines, with connecting flights to other Caribbean destinations including Guyana, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua, and Trinidad and Tobago.
“As the gateway to the highlands, the new services from Edinburgh Airport will provide travellers from Florida and the Caribbean with a direct link to Scotland’s fascinating historic capital city, alongside easy access to the country’s dramatic, world-famous countryside. Similarly, Barbados offers easy onward connections to the wider Caribbean, with seamless links to Grenada, St Vincent and Tobago available with Virgin Atlantic, alongside flights with Virgin Atlantic’s interline partner, Caribbean Airlines.”
Virgin will also start flights from Edinburgh to Orlando, Florida (MCO) from April 2022.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic said:
“Our two new routes provide an array of holiday options to suit everyone. From family fun and the thrills of Orlando’s theme parks to the stunning beaches and chilled out vibes in Barbados, we’re confident there’s something to love for all of our Scottish customers.”
Virgin Atlantic Route From London Heathrow to St. Lucia
View of Rodney Bay from Pigeon Island, St. Lucia
St. Lucia (UVF) will also see winter service, with three flights out of London Heathrow (LHR) from December 18, 2021. The route will be operated by an Airbus A330-300, featuring the typical three-class configuration: Upper Class (business class), Premium Economy and Economy. Tickets for this route go on sale on August 18, and customers can expect fares starting at £462 per person.
Virgin Atlantic Route From Manchester to Montego Bay, Jamaica
Starting November 6, Virgin will operate three weekly flights from Manchester (MAN) to Montego Bay (MBJ) in Jamaica, with their larger Airbus A330-300. Fares start at £428 per person and can be booked from August 18. The airline will also ramp up service between London Heathrow to Jamaica, from three flights up to daily as well as increasing flights from Heathrow to Barbados, from daily flights to 11 times a week.
Jarvinen said:
“We are seeing a real demand from our customers in the northwest for luxury holidays in the sun as they are keen to escape on their next adventure after a challenging year. Both Jamaica and Barbados offer the ultimate getaway for those looking to enjoy island life, from hiking incredible waterfalls, surfing at white sand beaches, exploring distinct local caves, to swimming with sea turtles, the tropical island’s offer something for everyone.”
As of this post’s publication, Barbados was listed as one of the UK Green List destination, which means that travelers returning to the UK will not be required to quarantine once their arrival COVID-19 test results come back negative. As both Jamaica and St. Lucia are on the Amber list, non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers returning to the UK will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Vaccinated travelers (depending on where they were vaccinated) will only be required to test on arrival.
As the country status and vaccine requirements are ever changing, it’s always a good idea to keep tabs on their list before booking and closer to your flight dates.
[Featured Photo: Dylan Agbagni/Flickr (CC0)]
