Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself for a strong summer 2026 season, with increased airlift from Canada set to give travellers greater flexibility when planning trips to the twin-island nation.
According to Antigua.news, WestJet will reinstate its midweek Wednesday service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and V.C. Bird International Airport for July and August 2026, operating once weekly alongside the airline's existing year-round Sunday flights. Air Canada also runs a weekly Sunday service to the destination. The combined schedule gives Canadian travellers a wider range of departure options during one of the islands' most culturally active periods.
Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for Canada, told Travelweek the expanded schedule is deliberate. "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 additional air service coincides with several of the islands' signature events. Antigua Carnival, billed as the Caribbean's "Greatest Summer Festival," runs from July 25 to August 4 and features parades, costumed revellers, steel pan and calypso competitions, and a full programme of community celebrations. On August 9, the Urlings Seafood Festival takes place in the coastal village of Urlings, spotlighting local culinary talent alongside live entertainment. August 16 brings ANUCON, an event catering to fans of comic books, anime, and cosplay. The Caribbean Premier League T20 cricket season, running from August through September, rounds out the summer calendar, drawing international players and combining sport with music and food.
Tourism officials also highlight Antigua and Barbuda's role as a convenient hub for wider Caribbean travel, with onward connections available to neighbouring islands.
With competitive fares currently available, Wharton urged Canadians not to delay. "Visit to unpack your perfect Christmas in July," she said.
