The seasonal route to Bridgetown from Dublin will run from 31 March to 31 May, offering Irish customers a direct connection to the Caribbean for a limited time.

The direct flight is being introduced primarily to accommodate Manchester passengers flying to Barbados, while also opening up direct access to Barbados for the wider Irish market during this period. After much speculation and uncertainty, Aer Lingus confirmed in January it would stop operating transatlantic flights from Manchester airport.

The service connecting Dublin and Bridgetown will be operated using Aer Lingus’ most modern Airbus A321XLR aircraft and will run three times weekly, departing Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Departures from Dublin are scheduled for 13:50, arriving into Grantley Adams International Airport at 18:00 local time. The return service will depart Bridgetown at 19:30, arriving back into Dublin at 08:40 the following morning.

Leading Irish agency Frosch Ireland has welcomed news of the route, which will provide Irish travellers with “a rare opportunity to fly non-stop to the Caribbean from Ireland”.

“This is a very positive development for Irish travellers,” said Jackie Sheehan, sales director corporate/leisure at Frosch Ireland. “Direct access from Dublin removes a significant barrier for clients considering Barbados, particularly those looking for a premium leisure experience without the complexity of UK connections.”