Air Canada to launch Halifax–Barbados nonstop service this December

Air Canada will introduce a new nonstop route between Halifax and Barbados, marking the first direct service connecting the island with Atlantic Canada.

The weekly flight will operate on Thursdays starting Dec. 17, 2026, using a 177-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. 

Bookings are now available via Air Canada.

The new service follows more than 18 months of engagement between Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Air Canada and regional partners in Atlantic Canada, aimed at expanding access to the destination.

Canada remains a key source market for Barbados, with continued growth in visitor arrivals from regions including Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada and Atlantic Canada. 

The new Halifax route adds to existing capacity from Toronto and Montréal.

"We are extremely pleased to see the introduction of this new service and extend our sincere thanks to Air Canada for its continued confidence in Barbados as a destination. Increasing airlift and improving accessibility to the island remains a key priority of this ministry, and this new route is directly aligned with our overall airlift strategy for the destination," said the Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, minister of tourism and international transport.

"We are continuing to explore other opportunities both in our key source markets and emerging markets to ensure that we are well positioned to stimulate sustainable growth for Barbados."

Andrea Franklin, chief executive officer of BTMI, highlighted the broader impact of the new service on Barbados' position in the Canadian market and its reputation as a destination.

"With this new nonstop service, Barbados continues to strengthen its position within the Canadian market, enhancing ease of travel while reinforcing its reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. The route will drive incremental growth, support tourism stakeholders, and further solidify the island's long-standing relationship with Canada," she said.

"This is a defining moment for Barbados in the Canadian market," added Eusi Skeete, director, Canada.

"In the last year we have achieved the highest visitor arrivals from Canada in 45 years, welcomed expanded capacity on Air Canada from Toronto and increased frequency from Montréal," he continued.

"Over the past 18 months, we have taken a highly strategic and intentional approach to amplifying our presence in Atlantic Canada through engaging trade partners and consumers, strengthening our partnerships with key stakeholders and positioning Barbados as the preferred choice for Atlantic Canadians. This new nonstop service is a direct outcome of that work, and it unlocks new opportunities particularly in regions where demand is growing and access has been limited. We will continue to reinforce Barbados as a destination that is not only aspirational but now increasingly more accessible. We want to thank our partners in Halifax and the and throughout Atlantic Canada."

Joyce Carter, president & CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, pointed to the long-standing connection between Nova Scotia and Barbados in welcoming the new service.

"We're thrilled to add Barbados to our growing route map with this new winter service from Air Canada," she said. 

"Nova Scotia and Barbados share a long-standing connection, and this non-stop service will make it easier than ever to strengthen those ties. As one of Nova Scotia's most popular Caribbean destinations, we thank Air Canada for its continued investment in our market and the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport for their valued partnership in bringing this service to life."

The new flight comes as Barbados continues to see strong demand from Canadian travellers, particularly for sun destinations with established cultural and historical ties to Canada. 

The connection between Barbados and Nova Scotia includes shared heritage, including the Bridgetown name.

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