On Saturday, December 21, a record-breaking 54 flights landed at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Barbados, setting a new benchmark for the island’s tourism sector.
The Minister of Tourism and International Transport announced that these flights brought approximately 8,000 passengers to the island, including 2,200 air-to-sea transfers.
This milestone reflects the effectiveness of the airlift strategy implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and local tourism authorities. The Minister detailed the variety of aircraft that landed at GAIA, highlighting 15 broad-body and 15 narrow-body flights, along with 24 regional flights.
“Our airlift strategy has successfully increased visitor numbers to Barbados. Today marks a significant achievement for Grantley Adams International Airport,” stated the Minister. “We are witnessing an influx of 54 flights landing today.”
The Minister expressed gratitude towards the ministry’s staff, tourism partners, and key stakeholders in the aviation industry for their diligent efforts. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of the tourism marketing team in the United States, which played a crucial role in negotiating airline agreements.
“A special thanks goes to our team led by our Director, whose dedication has significantly contributed to the growth of Barbados as a prime tourism destination,” he added.
The increased airlift activity is reflected in visitor statistics compared to 2019. The airport is projected to accommodate 2.35 million passengers by the end of the year, surpassing the 2.29 million recorded in 2019.
Further plans are in place to enhance airlift connections from the United States and Europe, signaling continued growth in tourism.
The Chief Executive Officer of GAIA provided insights on ongoing operational enhancements, including the introduction of the Concorde Experience designed to enrich the passenger experience at the airport.
“This new initiative has received positive feedback from all parties involved, effectively managing over 1,500 travelers on busy days and easing congestion in the main terminal. Improved customer experience is vital for sustaining our tourism offerings,” the CEO stated.
