American Airlines is expanding its presence in the Caribbean with the addition of two new routes to Bridgetown, Barbados. The Fort Worth-based carrier recently announced plans to launch flights from New York and Philadelphia to the popular Caribbean destination. These new routes are set to begin in November and will offer travelers more options for reaching Barbados from major U.S. cities.
The new daily service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will commence on November 5th, followed by once-weekly Saturday-only flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on November 9th. American Airlines will operate a Boeing 737-800 from New York and an Airbus A321 from Philadelphia on these routes.
While these routes are technically resumptions for American Airlines, as the carrier previously operated service to Barbados from JFK in 2014 and US Airways served the route from Philadelphia until 2010, the new flights mark a renewed focus on the Caribbean market for the airline. In a nod to its history of serving Barbados, American Airlines has chosen special flight numbers for the New York service, with outbound flights operating as Flight 585 and return flights as Flight 707.
These new flights to Bridgetown will complement American Airlines’ existing service to Barbados from Miami and Charlotte. The airline plans to operate up to three daily flights from Miami and one from Charlotte alongside the new JFK and PHL services, offering a total of up to six peak-day flights this winter – the most of any U.S. carrier.
The decision to launch these new routes to Barbados may have been influenced by competitive pressure from Delta Air Lines, which recently announced plans to reopen its outstation in Barbados and launch new flights to the island from Atlanta and New York. American Airlines’ daily schedule from New York is expected to attract a broad range of travelers, while the airline’s network of hubs in Charlotte, Miami, New York, and Philadelphia will provide ample connecting opportunities for passengers.
In recent years, JetBlue has been the dominant carrier between New York and Bridgetown, offering multiple daily flights on the route. United and Caribbean Airlines also serve this market, but JetBlue’s extensive schedule and premium service, including Mint business class on select flights, have made it a popular choice for travelers.
With the increased competition on routes to Barbados, travelers can expect to see more options and potentially lower fares as airlines vie for market share. The expansion of American Airlines’ Caribbean network is good news for passengers, as it will provide more choices and flexibility for travel to this popular vacation destination.
Overall, the addition of new routes to Barbados demonstrates American Airlines’ commitment to growing its presence in the Caribbean and offering passengers more options for travel to the region. With its convenient schedules, diverse network of hubs, and competitive fares, American Airlines is well-positioned to attract travelers seeking a convenient and comfortable way to reach Barbados from major U.S. cities.