Antigua and Barbuda are celebrating a boost in airlift for the winter season as Air Canada returned to Antigua on Dec. 6, while US and UK airlines will be adding additional flights to the destination within the month.

The early December flight was Air Canada’s first to Antigua since March. Passengers and flight crew were greeted upon arrival with a water salute and the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Charles Fernandez and the CEO of Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James were on hand to greet the crew and passengers.

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Charles Fernandez said: “We are heading into the holiday season with increased airlift as consumer confidence is returning.”

American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines will also have increased flight schedules to Antigua in the coming months from U.S. gateways.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James encouraged tourism stakeholders to remain optimistic going into 2021. “We’ve been constantly engaging with airline partners, and most importantly engaging with the travel trade to keep the interest and the drive in the destination.”