Flights between Edinburgh and Barbados set for take-off

Virgin Atlantic is to operate international flights from Edinburgh Airport for the first time in the airline’s 37-year history as it expands its Caribbean offering.

The carrier will run two return flights per week between the Scottish capital and Barbados from December 5.

They will be Scotland’s only direct services to the Caribbean.

Virgin Atlantic will also connect Edinburgh with the US city of Orlando, Florida, from April 2022, after dropping the route from Glasgow.

The firm last operated flights from Edinburgh between 2013 and 2015, connecting with Heathrow under its Little Red brand.

New routes from Heathrow to St Lucia and Manchester to Montego Bay, Jamaica, have also been announced.

Barbados is on the Government’s green list, meaning returning travellers are not required to quarantine.

St Lucia and Jamaica are in the amber tier.

That means returning travellers must self-isolate at home for 10 days unless they are fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “The Caribbean is such an important destination for us and for our customers and we couldn’t be more excited to announce our new routes, as we continue to grow our ever-expanding portfolio.

“We know customers are keen to get away on their next adventure after a challenging year and these Caribbean destinations offer the perfect escape for those travellers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.

“For customers based around the UK, we are also thrilled to be able to offer additional routes from both Edinburgh and Manchester.

“Commencing international flights from Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter and I know our teams can’t wait to show Edinburgh the famous Virgin Atlantic spirit and flair.”

Edinburgh Airport boss Gordon Dewar said: “A premier city like Edinburgh deserves premier airlines and we are extremely excited to welcome our newest partner Virgin Atlantic to Scotland’s capital city.

“To be able to deliver flights to Barbados, Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean, and Orlando is a fantastic boost to us as we prepare for the post-Covid recovery, and it is a huge show of confidence in Edinburgh Airport’s ability to deliver for passengers across the country.

“We look forward to the new routes launching and watching passengers head off on the holiday of a lifetime from Edinburgh Airport with Virgin Atlantic.”