TORONTO — WestJet has made its way back to Saint Lucia for the fall/winter season.

Its highly anticipated return on Nov. 7 comes after 20 months, following the cancellation of all major airlines to the destination in March 2020 at the start of the global pandemic.

WestJet’s winter flight schedule from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) will operate nonstop once a week every Sunday until January 2022, before increasing to two weekly flights every Sunday and Thursday beginning Feb. 17, 2022.

The airline’s inaugural flight on Nov. 7 touched down at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) with 98 passengers onboard. A short video of the plane’s arrival can be seen here.

WestJet’s Captain, Linn Ryan, was presented with a commemorative plaque alongside Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire, Chairman of the SLTA Board Thaddeus M. Antoine, and President of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association Paul Collymore.

“A warm welcome to WestJet and the crew after a long lockdown. The return of WestJet is a huge milestone for Saint Lucia as it was our last key source market to reopen. The additional service provides Canadians with more viable options to visit Saint Lucia this winter,” said Antoine.

He added that the destination will continue to focus its marketing efforts in Canada through marketing and public relations campaigns.

“As travel restrictions begin to ease globally, we are looking forward to bringing in 2022 and re-establishing a strong relationship with the Canadian market,” added Antoine.

Canadians must obtain a negative PCR test within five days prior to travel to Saint Lucia. All visitors must also complete a Pre-Arrival registration form before departure, found on www.stlucia.org.

Saint Lucia has implemented various health and safety measures to protect residents and visitors as part of its phase reopening plan. A non-electronic wristband was introduced for fully vaccinated travellers to allow expanded island access. These visitors can book car rentals and dine at additional restaurants. Unvaccinated travellers, meanwhile, will receive a bracelet that identifies them as long-stay visitors after 14 days on the island. Starting on day 15, they are free to explore the island while observing standard COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing and mask wearing in public places.

For more information go to www.stlucia.org/covid-19.