Jay Singh - Simple Flying
Monday, December 21, 2020
WestJet is growing its international and Caribbean portfolio with new flights from Toronto to Bonaire. The services will start on February 6th and operate on a seasonal basis using a Boeing 737.
WestJet adds Bonaire to flight schedule
From February 6th, 2021, WestJet will be adding nonstop once-weekly seasonal services between Toronto and Bonaire. The flight will depart Toronto once a week on Saturdays at 10:15 and arriving in Bonaire at 16:13. The return flight will depart Bonaire on Sundays at 14:00 and arrive in Toronto at 18:14. All times are local.
The seasonal service, which is subject to government approval, will start on February 6th and run through April 10th for the outbound flights to Bonaire. The aircraft that will operate the flights is a Boeing 737. These planes feature a premium and economy cabin.
WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, Arved von zur Muehlen, stated the following in a press release:
“Canadians have been asking for the addition of this diving and windsurfing paradise known for its pristine waters and rich marine life to our network. Bonaire is filled with safe activities for those seeking to getaway this winter and we look forward to connecting guests to the island’s unique and unforgettable hospitality.”
The addition of flights to Bonaire comes as WestJet continues to reconstruct its route network. This month, the airline has already brought back a host of new leisure destinations and is eyeing more Boeing 787 routes as demand recovers.
Bonaire’s entry requirements
Bonaire requires a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Canadians to be exempt from the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Travelers must arrive on the island with negative test results.
WestJet is working with LifeLabs and offering C$199 plus tax pre-departure testing in Ontario. While Bonaire allows Canadians to be exempt from the quarantine requirement on arrival, Canadians will remain subject to a 14-day quarantine when coming back to Canada. However, there have been some recent trials for setting up ways to test-out of quarantine.
WEstJet Bonaire
WestJet’s new Bonaire route will take around five hours. Rendering created at Great Circle Mapper
WestJet will be offering its passengers no-charge travel insurance that covers the virus. This comes on top of the airline’s health and safety measures.
About Bonaire
Bonaire is located in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean. The main international airport, which WestJet will be flying into, is called the Flamingo International Airport (BON). The airport offers an array of international flights from carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and KLM. Several regional carriers also serve the island.
In Bonaire, visitors can take part in snorkeling and scuba diving while also offering a variety of beaches and resorts. For those that like to stay out of the water, people can go surfing or else enjoy a hike or bird-watching. Tourism is a large part of the local economy.
Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands, which are all Dutch territories. Aruba and Curaçao make up the other two parts of this island group. Like Bonaire, both Aruba and Curaçao are also major tourist destinations, with all three islands boasting excellent weather. WestJet already offers flights to both Aruba and Curaçao. With the addition of Bonaire, the Canadian airline will be serving all three of the ABC Islands.
About Writer Jay Singh
Jay’s extensive travels and experience with premium products has given him incredible insight into the wider landscape of commercial aviation. Cited by TIME and Intelligent Aerospace, among others, and interviewed by major outlet NPR, Jay’s focus on route planning and fleet developments allow him to dig deeper into the stories behind the headlines. Based in Washington DC, United States. Follow him on social media for all his latest travel updates.
