Holidaymakers have had their Caribbean dreams crushed after Scotland’s only direct flight to the destination was grounded three months after starting operations following “subdued bookings” during the pandemic.
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled all reservations on their Edinburgh to Barbados route from late February to the original cessation date in April amid low uptake among passengers.
The airline launched the “hugely exciting” transatlantic crossing in December, but said the “changing travel restrictions and arrival testing requirements set by the UK and Scottish governments” had affected customer numbers.
READ MORE: East Lothian police seize cash and drugs worth £28,000 after Musselburgh raid
The final flights between the Capital and Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown will now depart Edinburgh on February 16 and return on the 22nd before returning to service in December.
Passengers who have booked dream breaks to the paradise island after those dates until April 23, when the flight route was to shut down over the summer and autumn months, have been offered the opportunity to re-book on services from Manchester or London as an alternative.
A statement released to customers read: "Following careful review, we’ve taken the difficult decision to shorten the existing Edinburgh – Barbados schedule, with the last flight of this winter season now departing to Barbados on 16 February and inbound to Edinburgh on 22 February.
"This winter, changing travel restrictions and arrival testing requirements set by the UK and Scottish governments led to subdued bookings on the route.
"We know our customers love travelling to Barbados, and sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused to those due to travel on services from mid-February up until 23 April 2022, which will unfortunately be cancelled.
"If re-routing is a suitable option, customers can be rebooked on alternative Barbados services from Manchester or London Heathrow."
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
It added: "Edinburgh is an important new gateway for Virgin Atlantic and we’re fully committed to serving our Scottish customers and this much-loved Caribbean destination, which we know has long-term viability as Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean, offering an idyllic winter sun destination."
The company added its planned Edinburgh - Orlando service will still go ahead from March as advertised.
Another route, connecting London Heathrow with Hong Kong has also been cancelled amid Covid concerns.
Passengers who have booked trips to Barbados are encouraged to check their refunds and cancellation policy with the airline here.
