A WestJet flight upon arrival at VC Bird International Airport (ANU) in November 2021
Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for what promises to be a vibrant summer season, with expanded air access from Canada making it easier than ever for travellers to get there.
WestJet will bring back its Wednesday midweek service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and V.C. Bird International Airport for July and August 2026, running once weekly alongside the airline’s existing year-round Sunday flights. Air Canada also operates a weekly Sunday service to the destination. Together, the additional frequency gives Canadian travellers more departure options during a period of peak cultural activity on the islands.
Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for Canada, told Travelweek the timing is intentional. “Antigua and Barbuda’s calendar is full of relaxed, family-friendly events all year long, and this is especially true in the summer,” she said. “Having a midweek flight gives visitors more flexibility for spontaneous summer getaways, like pink sand spotting in Barbuda, while also allowing travellers to take advantage of non-peak season rates.”
The expanded schedule coincides with some of the island’s biggest draws. Antigua Carnival, billed as the Caribbean’s “Greatest Summer Festival,” runs from July 25 to August 4, featuring parades, costumed revellers, steel pan and calypso competitions, and a packed lineup of community celebrations.
August 9 brings the Urlings Seafood Festival, set in the coastal village of Urlings and showcasing local culinary talent alongside live entertainment.
Later that month, ANUCON on August 16 caters to fans of comic books, anime, and cosplay. Rounding out the summer, the Caribbean Premier League T20 cricket season runs from August through September, drawing international players and blending sport with music and food.
Tourism officials note that Antigua and Barbuda also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for broader Caribbean exploration, with onward connections available to neighbouring islands.
With competitive fares currently on offer, Wharton encouraged Canadians to book early: “Visit to unpack your perfect Christmas in July.”
This is great news for Antigua and Barbuda. More flights from Canada during the summer months can really help boost visitor arrivals during what is usually considered the slower season. With Carnival and other events happening, the timing makes perfect sense.
Adding a midweek flight during Carnival season is a smart move. A lot of people from the diaspora travel home around that time, so having more flexibility with flights should make a big difference.
Good stuff