Friday, August 2, 2024
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
VIRGIN Atlantic will stop flying to The Bahamas early next year, two years after introducing flights in response to “real demand”.
The airline’s final flight will be on February 23. Meanwhile, it will increase its flights to Barbados and Antigua.
The airline told the Travel Trade gazette that its decision followed a review of its destinations and reflected a desire to optimise its network.
“We’re very sorry for the disappointment caused to our customers flying to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, and anyone booked to travel on these routes from February 24 and February 22, respectively, will be contacted with their options,” the airline said.
Tourism Minister Chester Cooper and other top Ministry of Tourism officials did not respond to requests for comment up to press time.
In November 2021, Virgin Atlantic began twice-weekly services to The Bahamas from London’s Heathrow Airport.
Juha Jarvinen, the company’s chief commercial officer, said at the time: “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.”
In October, The Nassau Guardian reported that Virgin Atlantic was increasing its flights to The Bahamas to three per week in response to demand.
Comments
ExposedU2C says...
There's much I could say here, but why bother when Chester the Jester is all smiles as the bag man for the ill-gotten gains received from the corrupt owners and operators of the cruise ship companies, like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, etc.
This crooked PLP government has done zilch to pivot our tourism product away from the floating hotels, that contribute little if anything to our domestic economy, and towards many more air arrival visitors who actually do contribute something to our economy.
Posted 2 August 2024, 5:32 p.m. Suggest removal
tom1912 says...
It’s generally no cheaper than BA flying from London and the have less direct flights a week
It must be remembered, to UK and European citizens Bahamas is a very expensive holiday destination compared to Spain,Greece,Portugal etc.
The cost if living is very high!
Most travellers on the BA flights are Bahamians and ,Expatriates return to the Islands not many holiday makers
The different BA flights go on to ether the Caymens or the Turks and Cacos. The flights normally are 50/50 Caymens/TC Travellers and those for Nassau.
The crazy thing is that it is much cheaper to fly to the Caymans than Nassau yet its a 1000 miles further on after stopping at nassau.
Posted 5 August 2024, 7:28 p.m. Suggest removal
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