Delta Air Lines’ expanded service during the Summer 2025 season is expected to improve Barbados’ connectivity with the United States of America.
This action follows the airline’s planned service initiation to Barbados on November 23, 2024. Effective December 21 of this year, Delta will inaugurate a weekly service from New York on Saturdays exclusively and a seven-day-a-week service from Atlanta, Georgia.
Delta will provide daily non-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) starting May 7, 2025, and concluding September 7, 2025.
In the summer schedule, Flight DL1985 will depart ATL at 9:45 a.m. and arrive in Barbados at 2:20 p.m., while Flight DL1984 will depart BGI at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta at 9:00 p.m.
Mr. Ian Gooding-Edghill, the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, expressed his enthusiasm for the Delta Summer 2025 expanded service.
At a time when Network Planning for 2025 is at an advanced stage, this represents yet another vote of confidence in our destination. The additional capacity further bolsters Barbados’ allure as a travel destination, which we believe will contribute to sustained growth throughout the summer of 2025. We are encouraged by the continued demand from the U.S. market.
The expanded service will offer over 19,000 additional seats, enhancing connectivity for travellers from significant secondary markets within Delta’s extensive network. This expansion emphasises the essential significance of Barbados’ effective airlift strategy in developing tourism.
Minister Gooding-Edghill emphasised the importance of access to frequent and dependable aviation services in attracting visitors to Barbados. This directly impacts travel decisions and improves the overall travel experience.
Barbados has been emphasising the development of a comprehensive airlift strategy in recent years, which is essential for the island to maintain its competitiveness in the global tourism market and increase visitor arrivals. The Government and tourism stakeholders are improving access to the destination by collaborating closely with airline partners such as Delta, thereby facilitating travellers’ exploration of Barbados’s beautiful and cultural aspects.
In Atlanta in July 2024, Barbados tourism officials met senior Delta officials, including the Minister, Andrea Franklin, the Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), and Peter Mayers, the Director of BTMI for the USA.
During these discussions, the team advocated for additional airlift, presenting compelling data on travel demand and the potential for increased visitor numbers to the island. The meetings were distinguished by constructive dialogue, as both parties acknowledged the advantages of increased air service.
Delta’s dedication to expanding its capacity resulted from these strategic discussions, underscoring the significance of government and private sector collaboration in improving Barbados’ tourism offerings.
This extended service perfectly harmonises with the We Gatherin’ campaign of the upcoming year, as a substantial Barbadian diaspora resides in Georgia and the adjacent areas, thereby fortifying community bonds. The campaign’s objective is to promote unity among Barbadians, both domestically and internationally, by motivating them to re-establish connections with their heritage and make a meaningful contribution to the local economy.
Delta is prepared to provide its most extensive schedule this summer, with 968 daily flights, 1.1 million weekly seats, and service to 215 destinations, all departing from Atlanta. This growth reaffirms its status as the world’s largest airline hub, with roughly 75 additional daily departures compared to summer 2024.
