Air Canada will convert its seasonal Montréal–Bridgetown flight into a year-round weekly service starting at the end of the 2026/27 winter season, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and the carrier announced on 29 September. The route, to be operated by 177-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft under the Air Canada Rouge brand, marks the first time the airline has offered nonstop summer service between Québec and the Caribbean island. The expansion is part of a broader push to deepen Canadian connectivity to Barbados, which will also see Toronto frequencies rise to eight per week and a new nonstop launched from Halifax next winter. For corporate travel programmes, the Montréal flight creates a direct link for businesses with operations or investments in the Eastern Caribbean, reducing reliance on U.S. hubs and potential visa hassles for transit. Barbados officials hailed the decision as validation of a three-year market-development strategy aimed at diversifying visitor arrivals and lengthening stay duration. From a mobility standpoint, the additional lift may ease capacity constraints during peak holiday periods, benefiting both leisure and duty-travel segments. Travellers should note that Barbados still requires all visitors to complete an online ED card within 72 hours of departure and to carry proof of accommodation. Employers sending staff long-term must continue to obtain 12-month Work Permit waivers from the Barbados Immigration Department, processing times for which currently average six weeks.
Source: Travelweek
