The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Barbados has reached a remarkable milestone, marking one of the busiest days in its history, according to Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill.
On Saturday, the airport saw unprecedented activity, with projections indicating that GAIA will handle 2.3 million passengers by the end of 2024. This figure surpasses the 2019 pre-pandemic record of 2.29 million passengers, signaling a robust resurgence in Barbados’ tourism sector.
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Gooding-Edghill highlighted the extraordinary flow of visitors, noting that 8,000 travelers arrived in Barbados in a single day. Of these, 2,200 were air-to-sea transfer passengers, while 5,800 were stay-over visitors, further boosting the island’s economy.
“This is one of the busiest days in the history of the Grantley Adams International Airport,” the minister said. “We’ve been advised that 54 flights are arriving today, including 15 wide-body aircraft, 15 narrow-body aircraft, and 24 regional flights. The growth we’re experiencing speaks volumes about the strength and appeal of Barbados as a destination.”
The surge in passenger traffic underscores the island’s booming tourism industry, which continues to rebound with vigor. Barbados’ strategic focus on attracting international visitors is paying dividends, as evidenced by the significant uptick in arrivals and the airport’s ability to manage such high volumes efficiently.
This milestone at GAIA is not only a testament to the resilience of Barbados’ tourism sector but also a reflection of the island’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination.
