Tourism officials explain why Air Canada suspended flights to Antigua and other destinations

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An Air Canada Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft arriving from Toronto prepares to land at Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Transport Minister Marc Garneau says Boeing's Max 8 aircraft won't be allowed to fly in Canadian skies until officials believe all safety concerns have been addressed. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

LATEST CANADIAN TRAVEL ADVISORY CAUSES AIR CANADA TO SUSPEND SERVICES TO ANTIGUA.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) is informing travellers of the recent decision by Air Canada/Air Canada Vacations to suspend flights to Antigua commencing January 31, 2022.

Approximately ten other destinations including, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Curacao, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been affected by this decision.

The news comes following a recent Travel Advisory issued by the Canadian Federal Government that has advised Canadians against non-essential travel. The Advisory issued on December 17, 2021, states “The Government of Canada is advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada at this time. Travel restrictions continue to change around the world and return options could become limited at any time.”

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin James said “While news of the Air Canada suspension of service will impact the recovery of our Canadian market, the safety of travellers is a key priority for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. We  remain committed to working with our partners and look forward to welcoming Air Canada back, when Canadian regulations allow them to return.”

Air Canada noted that it must take the necessary actions to ensure it comes back even stronger when circumstances allow.

The airline also expressed appreciation to travellers for their understanding during these difficult times.

Canadian Carrier, WestJet continues service into the destination and Antigua and Barbuda remains open to welcome visitors.

Colin James, CEO-ABTA

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11 COMMENTS

  1. Not rocket science.

    Other countries are trying to protect their citizens unlike our govt.

    They allow their citizens back in their country vaxxed or not unlike our govt.

    Other countries did not allow a cruise ship with several COVID cases on board to dock, unlike our govt that allowed them to dock here

    Other countries closed their borders to protect their citizens, unlike our govt.

    Our govt wants tourist money at any and all costs regardless of the citizens.

    You voted this govt in, be happy with what they do to you.

    As far as I am concerned, all of them need to be voted out and never voted in again. That’s for both parties. All new incoming persons who get voted in should stay in because they are doing the country and its people good. If they are in it for creative self enrichment purposes, they should be voted out and never back in again. This goes for all parties, don’t care which party they represent.

    Those that love to kiss ass to get personal favors, keep on kissing ass. Your times will also end.

    Less corruption. more transparency.

    • As you mention ‘Banana Republic’, “… Our govt wants tourists money at any and all costs regardless of the citizens … ”

      Here’s a simple solution for the government.

      Allow the Antiguans living abroad to return HOME from exile (because, dollar for dollar, we spend a whole lot more – including taxes – than any two-weekly tourist visitor).

      Many of us who travelled to and from Antigua in 2021, had to take 2-3 PCR tests (all my results turned out negative by the way); also, my family & I took along many packs of the Lateral Flow Test (LFT) Kits, so that we could test ourselves every 2-3 days until we left the island months later – and I never had so much as a sniffle – because regular testing, washing and sanitising helped.

      IF THIS WAS OKAY FOR THE DIASPORA EARLIER IN 2021, WHY ISN’T IT NOW; AND MEANWHILE THE ‘SUPER-SPREADERS’ AND FULLY VACCINATED TOURISTS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO ENTER ANTIGUA?

    • It is not a travel band. It is a advisory not to travel, because you may have trouble getting back into Canada, They could change return home policy.

    • The Antiga tourism association was misinformed and saw the news release from LAST December when AC cancelled flights for 90 days. Air Canada is NOT canceling their Caribbean and Mexico routes and has confirmed this on their social media.

  2. The Canadian government is doing Antiguans and the other countries a great favour by not flying. Just heard on the Canadian news that they are expecting a record breaking thousands of covid cases through the end of January. Having planes coming into Antigua with people full of covid will spell disaster for Antiguans and the tourism sector. Maybe planes from the UK should do the same as they are also having record breaking cases.

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