As of 17 December American Airlines (AA) will resume daily flights to Grenada from Miami International Airport.
At present, the airline flies into Grenada 5 days per week: from Wednesdays to Sundays, departing Miami at 4:55pm with an arrival time at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) of 9:26pm; departing MBIA at 9:26am with a scheduled arrival time in Miami of 12:17pm.
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Alexandra Otway-Noel said that after months of ongoing negotiations, Grenada has finally been able to secure the additional airlift from AA, and is happy the airline has decided to increase flights to the island, as this strategic move is necessary to create more scheduling options for travelers to and from Grenada.
“We’re really excited to announce that American Airlines will be going to daily flights as of December 2014. That is going to be a big deal for us because it is going to allow us to get more volume, as well as get some more connections on different days through Miami. This will meet the needs of not only our visitors and Diaspora, but our locals, our business community and the St George’s University faculty and students. They will have a bit of an easier time travelling and more transportation options.”
The minister attributes the increase to the concerted effort of the entire industry, the increase in demand and the relationship shared between Grenada and American Airlines. “Our relationship with American Airlines is very strong and we thank them for their continued support as we continue to provide a world class tourism product.”
This will be the second time that American Airlines is offering daily flights to Grenada. In 2000 the airline pulled out, later to resume a twice weekly flight in 2008, due in part to accommodate the growing number of American Students pursuing degrees at St George’s University. In the absence of the AA, the island was served by American Eagle out of Puerto Rico. American Eagle no longer serves Grenada.
By Linda Straker