Barbados is getting another major boost from Canada this winter.
Air Transat is launching new nonstop service between Montreal and Barbados beginning Dec. 13, adding twice-weekly flights from one of the island’s strongest Canadian source markets as Barbados continues expanding its airlift strategy across the country.
The new seasonal route will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays aboard an Airbus A321LR aircraft with 199 seats.
The announcement marks another significant expansion for Barbados in Canada, arriving just weeks after the island announced new nonstop service from Halifax on Air Canada.
Together, the additions continue to strengthen Barbados’ position in the Canadian market ahead of the 2026-2027 winter travel season.
A Bigger Push Into Quebec
Quebec has long been one of Barbados’ strongest-performing Canadian markets, particularly during the winter season, and tourism officials say the new Montreal flights are designed to build on that demand with more consistent nonstop service.
The new route also gives travelers in Quebec another direct option to reach the island during peak winter months, when Canadian demand for warm-weather destinations traditionally surges.
“This new service from Air Transat reflects the continued demand for Barbados within the Quebec market,” said Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill.
The minister said increasing airlift and maintaining reliable service to the island remains a major priority as Barbados continues targeting markets with long-term growth potential.
Barbados Keeps Expanding Canadian Airlift
The island has been steadily increasing its Canadian connectivity, with tourism officials focusing heavily on strategic growth from cities with strong repeat visitation and high winter travel demand.
The new Air Transat flights are the second major Canadian airlift expansion Barbados has announced in less than a month.
Earlier this month, the island confirmed new nonstop Air Canada service from Halifax, another route scheduled to launch in December.
Tourism officials say the broader strategy is centered on improving accessibility while supporting sustained visitor growth rather than short-term seasonal spikes.
“Quebec continues to be a cornerstone of our Canadian strategy,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Franklin said the new service helps Barbados deepen its reach in a market that has consistently delivered strong visitor numbers to the island.
Why the Montreal Flights Matter
For Canadian travelers, nonstop service remains one of the most important factors when choosing a winter destination, particularly from Eastern Canada.
The Montreal-Barbados route removes the need for connections through Toronto or the United States and creates a simpler travel option during the busiest winter travel period.
The use of the longer-range Airbus A321LR also reflects how airlines are increasingly deploying narrow-body aircraft on leisure routes across the Caribbean basin, particularly on medium-haul flights from Canada and the northeastern United States.
The aircraft offers lower operating costs for airlines while allowing carriers to maintain nonstop service on routes that continue seeing strong seasonal demand.
Barbados Targets Experience-Driven Travelers
Tourism officials in Barbados also say the Quebec market aligns closely with the type of traveler the island is increasingly targeting: visitors looking for longer stays, cultural experiences and repeat winter travel.
“Our approach in Quebec has been highly intentional,” said Eusi Skeete, Director for Canada at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Skeete said Barbados has spent years building relationships with travel advisors and trade partners in Quebec while positioning the island around experience-driven travel.
The expanded airlift is expected to create additional opportunities for Barbados across hotels, restaurants, tours and longer-stay winter travel demand from Canada.
More Competition Among Canadian-Caribbean Routes
The addition of another nonstop Barbados route also comes as airlines continue increasing competition across the Canada-Caribbean market.
Canadian carriers have been aggressively expanding winter schedules to warm-weather destinations following several years of exceptionally strong leisure demand.
Barbados has emerged as one of the destinations benefiting most from that expansion, particularly as travelers continue prioritizing longer warm-weather escapes during the winter season.
With both the new Air Transat Montreal service and the newly announced Air Canada Halifax flights beginning in December, Barbados is entering the upcoming winter season with one of its strongest Canadian airlift portfolios in years.
Caitlin Sullivan
2026-05-11 16:04:00