Air Transat’s new nonstop service from Montréal has the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI) in a buoyant mood these days as it further strengthens the destination’s position as “a leading Caribbean hotspot” for Canadian travellers.
The seasonal service will take off on Dec. 13, 2026, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays aboard a 199-seat Airbus A321LR aircraft.
And the announcement marks another major milestone in Barbados’ Canadian growth strategy, coming just weeks after the introduction of new nonstop service from Halifax.
The added lift signals sustained momentum in expanding access from Canada, which is one of Barbados’ most consistently performing source markets, continuing to rank among the top international source markets for the Caribbean destination, with steady year-over-year growth and strong resilience compared to other global markets.
Within Canada, Québec stands out as a high-value region, delivering strong visitor spend, longer stays, and a growing appetite for culturally immersive travel experiences. The new Montréal service is expected to further accelerate this growth, while strengthening Barbados’ competitive position among Caribbean destinations targeting Canadian travellers.
Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill said: “We are very pleased to welcome this new service from Air Transat, which reflects the continued demand for Barbados within the Québec market. Increasing airlift and ensuring consistent, reliable access to the island remains a key priority, and this service is a direct reflection of our strategic focus on markets that deliver strong and sustainable growth. We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum as we strengthen Barbados’ global connectivity.”
Chief Executive Officer of BTMI, Andrea Franklin said that: “Québec continues to be a cornerstone of our Canadian strategy, and this new service with Air Transat allows us to deepen our reach within a market that has consistently delivered strong performance for Barbados. This service strengthens access in a way that supports sustained demand and drives long-term value for the destination and our tourism stakeholders.”
BTMI Canada Director, Eusi Skeete said that: “This new service from Montreal represents a significant step forward in our strategy to deepen Barbados’ presence within Canada.”
And Skeete pointed out that: “Québec, in particular, has been a standout market for Barbados. This new nonstop service not only improves accessibility but also positions us to capture increased market share at a time when Canadian travellers are actively seeking warm-weather destinations that offer culture, authenticity, and meaningful experiences. Barbados is uniquely positioned to meet that demand.”
The introduction of this route is the result of a strategic, data-driven approach, supported by strong collaboration between BTMI, airline partners, and the Canadian travel trade. It reflects a broader focus on aligning airlift expansion with evolving traveller demand and ensuring consistent, reliable access to the destination.
