Barbados is set to enhance its connectivity with the United States of America thanks to expanded service from Delta Air Lines during the Summer 2025 season.
This move follows the airline’s scheduled commencement of service to Barbados on November 23, 2024. Delta will provide a seven-day-a-week service from Atlanta, Georgia, and a once-weekly service on Saturdays only from New York, beginning December 21 of this year.
Commencing May 7, 2025, and running through September 7, 2025, Delta will offer daily non-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI).
The summer schedule will see Flight DL1985 depart ATL at 9:45 a.m. and arrive in Barbados at 2:20 p.m.; while Flight DL1984 will depart BGI at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta at 9:00 p.m.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, expressed enthusiasm regarding the Delta Summer 2025 expanded service.
“This represents yet another vote of confidence in our destination at a time when Network Planning for 2025 is at an advanced stage. We continue to see encouraging demand from the U.S. market, and this additional capacity reinforces Barbados’ appeal as a travel destination, fuelling our optimism for sustained growth throughout Summer 2025.”
The increased service will provide over 19,000 additional seats, improving connectivity for travellers from major secondary markets within Delta’s extensive network. This expansion underscores the critical importance of Barbados’ effective airlift strategy in growing tourism.
Minister Gooding-Edghill stressed that access to reliable and frequent air services is essential for attracting visitors to Barbados, as it directly influences travel decisions and enhances the overall travel experience.
In recent years, Barbados has focused on developing a robust airlift strategy, fundamental to boosting visitor arrivals and ensuring the island remains competitive in the global tourism market. By working closely with airline partners like Delta, the Government and tourism stakeholders are enhancing access to the destination, ensuring that travellers find it easier to explore the beauty and culture that Barbados has to offer.
In July 2024, Barbados tourism officials, including the Minister; Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin; and BTMI’s Director for the USA, Peter Mayers, met with senior Delta officials in Atlanta.
During these discussions, the team lobbied for additional airlift, presenting compelling data on travel demand and the potential for increased visitor numbers to the island. The meetings were characterised by constructive dialogue, with both parties recognising the mutual benefits of expanded air service.
The outcomes of these strategic discussions culminated in Delta’s commitment to increasing capacity, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and private sectors in enhancing Barbados’ tourism offerings.
With a significant Barbadian diaspora residing in Georgia and surrounding areas, this extended service aligns perfectly with next year’s We Gatherin’ campaign, further strengthening community ties. The campaign aims to foster unity among Barbadians both at home and abroad, encouraging them to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the local economy.
Delta is ready to offer 1.1 million weekly seats, 968 daily flights and service to 215 destinations this summer from Atlanta, its largest schedule ever. With nearly 75 additional daily departures compared to summer 2024, this growth reaffirms its place as the world’s largest airline hub.
For more information about travel to Barbados and Delta’s new service, please visit www.visitbarbados.org.