From TCI Weekly

THE TCI celebrated another milestone towards the tourism industry’s return to normalcy on Sunday, December 13, with the return of British Airways flights.

After suspending flights earlier this year, the UK’s leading carrier has reconnected the territory with Europe – the third largest source market for the destination.

The aeroplane landed at Providenciales International Airport at 4.25pm and its 82 passengers were greeted by Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs and Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing. 

Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs said: “Every day Turks and Caicos tourism is deliberately heading in the right direction.

“The TCI Government is pleased to welcome the return of British Airways which signals the return of the transatlantic flights to our shores.

“The measures the destination has adopted to keep its visitors and residents safe, including the TCI Assured authorisation portal, are proving to be successful.”

Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing expressed optimism for the upcoming winter season.

She said: “The Tourist Board is elated to see the return of British Airways to the destination and we are hopeful that, with the additional airlift options, we will see the more persons choosing the TCI as their winter escape.”

UK’s transport secretary Grant Shapps announced on November 12 that the TCI was added to UK’s travel corridor list.

This means that British travellers do not have to quarantine upon returning home following a visit to the Islands.

The addition to the list represents TCI’s vigilance in curbing the spread of Covid-19 and the success of its safety protocols, a Tourist Board press release said on Thursday (December 17).

British Airways flies into Providenciales departing from London Gatwick (LGW) via Antigua. 

This month the TCI also saw the return of Bahamas Air which operates flights between Nassau (NAS) and Providenciales. 

And on Sunday the Islands celebrated the new Delta direct flight from John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Southwest Airlines has yet to announce resumption dates for flights to the destination, however, are expected to resume flying in 2021.

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