ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Antigua & Barbuda celebrated the return of Air Canada Rouge this past weekend.

The dual-island destination was already buoyed by an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season, and the Rouge flights will boost those numbers even more.

The Air Canada flight arrived Oct. 8 from Toronto with 106 passengers. The aircraft was given a welcome back water cannon salute. Passengers were also greeted by cultural dancers and music and small token welcome gifts.

Colin James, CEO, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

“We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving.”

While the rollout of the new service started with a single direct flight weekly from Toronto to St. John’s (ANU), service will continue to ramp up to meet the traditional demand of the holiday season, with Air Canada forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic.

Travellers from Montreal looking to fly south for the winter can also look forward to weekly direct flights (YUL to ANU) starting Dec. 23.

The return of Air Canada flights to Antigua & Barbuda comes in the wake of the destination’s latest travel advisory, which lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving by air, yacht, and ferry.

While a successful strategy of mass vaccinations and proactive public awareness campaigns has kept COVID-19 infection levels low, visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces where crowds are likely to gather. Travel advisors and travellers can read the latest travel advisory here.

“Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be,” said James. “With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer.”