Barbados Welcomes Aer Lingus’ New Direct Dublin–Barbados Service

The Jewel of the Caribbean, Barbados

Dublin, Ireland – Thursday, 12 February 2026 – Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) UK & Ireland has warmly welcomed today’s announcement that Aer Lingus will launch a new direct service from Dublin (DUB) to Barbados (BGI), with seats going on sale from today, Thursday, February 12th.

The new route represents a significant milestone for Barbados in the Irish market, providing direct connectivity between the two islands. Operated by Aer Lingus’ new fuel-efficient Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the service will strengthen ties between the two destinations while offering Irish travellers a seamless and sustainable way to get to Barbados.

The Airbus A321XLR that will fly between Dublin and Bridgetown

The launch of Aer Lingus’ new Dublin–Barbados service comes at a time of strengthening ties between the two countries. Barbados established a resident embassy in Dublin in 2024 — headed by H.E. Ambassador Cleviston Haynes — signalling a commitment to deeper bilateral engagement and building on historic connections that date back centuries. The move reflects a shared ambition to expand cooperation across tourism, culture and education while making travel and business links closer than ever.

Barbados continues to position itself as a leading Caribbean destination for Irish travellers. Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Barbados has a diverse food offering that ranges from authentic street food to premium dining options.

The premier Caribbean destination is also home to a number of popular festivals including The Crop Over Festival (July and August), Barbados Food and Rum Festival (November) and Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend (December), plus many more, ensuring that Barbados truly has something for everyone.

Mount Gay Rum, the oldest rum brand in the world

Élan Mottley-Harris, Director of BTMI UK & Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Aer Lingus’ new direct service from Dublin to Barbados — a landmark development that reflects Barbados’ growing appeal as a distinctive, year-round destination for Irish travellers.

Ireland shares a long-standing connection with Barbados, strengthened by deep cultural and community ties. This direct route makes getting to the island easier than ever, and we are confident it will inspire more Irish visitors to choose Barbados for winter sun, summer escapades, special occasions and unforgettable authentic Bajan experiences.

The introduction of Aer Lingus’ Airbus A321XLR also highlights a shared commitment to more responsible travel, with improved fuel efficiency supporting the sustainable growth of tourism.”

Director of BTMI UK and Ireland, Élan Mottley-Harris

The introduction of the Dublin–Barbados route will deliver benefits beyond leisure, supporting business, diaspora connections and wider tourism trade relationships between Ireland and Barbados.

Flight Schedule

The service will initially run on a two-month period, beginning March 31st and finishing May 31st. Flights will run three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Fares are available from €229 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges. Flights will depart Dublin at 13:50, arriving at Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport at 18:00, while the return service will depart Bridgetown at 19:30 and arrive back in Dublin at 08:40 the following morning.

For further information on Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

ENDS

The island of Barbados is a Caribbean gem rich in cultural, heritage, sporting, culinary and eco experiences. It is surrounded by idyllic white sand beaches and is the only coral island in the Caribbean. With over 400 restaurants and eateries, Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and home to the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The island is also known as the birthplace of rum, commercially producing and bottling the finest blends since the 1700s.

The island also hosts events like the annual Crop Over Festival, where A-lists celebrities including Barbadian beauty and music mogul Rihanna are often spotted, and the annual Run Barbados Marathon, the largest marathon in the Caribbean. As the motorsport island, it is home to the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. Known as a sustainable destination, Barbados won the Green Destinations Story Award for Environment and Climate in 2023 and was listed as one of the Best World Travel Destinations for 2025 by National Geographic. Accommodations on the island are wide and varied, ranging from picturesque private villas to quaint boutique hotels, cozy Airbnbs, prestigious international chains and award-winning five-diamond resorts. Travelling to this paradise is a breeze as the Grantley Adams International Airport offers a variety non-stop and direct services from growing U.S., U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American gateways. Arriving by ship is also easy as Barbados is a marquee port with calls from the world’s best cruise and luxury liners. So, it’s about time that you Visit Barbados and experience all that this 166-square-mile isle has to offer.

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, and via Twitter @Barbados.