Virgin Atlantic axes Edinburgh-Barbados service

The U-turn comes despite the airline saying it would resume flights to the island from December.

Virgin said: “Unfortunately we have had to take the difficult decision to suspend plans to operate Edinburgh-Barbados services this winter, with customers being contacted from this weekend to inform them of the cancellations and their options.”

Flights were launched in December 2021 and were due to run until 23 April, but ceased early on 22 February. At the time, Virgin said it would resume the winter-only service on 12 December.
 
The airline said then: “This winter, changing travel restrictions and arrival testing requirements set by the UK and Scottish governments led to subdued bookings on the route. Following careful review, we’ve taken the difficult decision to shorten the existing Edinburgh-Barbados schedule.”

Following the latest decision, Cheryl Carter, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc UK/Ireland director, said: “We are aware of Virgin Atlantic’s decision and understand its position.

“As the travel industry emerges from the pandemic, all airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, are having to make difficult decisions about schedules, networks and the application of limited resources.”

Virgin added: “Customers will automatically be booked onto a Manchester service, with all reasonable transport costs to and from Manchester reimbursed. If this re-routing is not suitable, affected customers can also choose a voucher or a full refund. Those who booked via a third party such as a travel agent should contact them directly for their options.
 
“We’ll continue to evaluate new routes for our Edinburgh gateway and remain fully committed to serving our Scottish customers, in close cooperation with our partners at Edinburgh airport.”