In a statement from its Tourism Authority issued on September 30, 2021, the Dutch  Caribbean island of Aruba says that it is delighted to welcome back Canadian visitors. Last month, the Canadian government eased travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Canadians by eliminating the mandatory quarantine period on their return from overseas.

Major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwing, are now resuming flights to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, Aruba. According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, there will be nearly 55,000 seats available on flights from the frozen north of Canada to the tropical sunshine of Aruba between October 2021 and March 2022. This will come as great news for the thousands of Canadians looking forward to a Caribbean winter vacation.

Aruba depends heavily on tourism

When speaking about the resumption of flights from Canada to Aruba, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority Ronella Croes said in the statement:

"In working with our trusted airline partners, we are thrilled to resume direct airlift service from Canada, expanding flight options for Canadian visitors to travel to our One happy island this fall and winter." Adding, "With our year-round sunny skies and award-winning white sand beaches, Aruba is the perfect escape from the cold weather that's on its way to Canada."

Over 55,000 seats are available this winter

A roundup up of the flights between Canada and Aruba that resumed on September 20, 2021, are listed below. Please keep in mind that the schedules are subject to change without notice.

Sunwing flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) will resume:

• Weekly on Mondays starting on September 20, 2021.

Air Canada flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) will resume:

• Weekly on Sundays starting October 3, 2021
• Twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays beginning in November
• Three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays starting in December
• Four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting in January 2022

WestJet flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) will resume:

• Twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays November 6, 2021
• Four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in January 2022

When speaking about welcoming back Canadian tourists to the Caribbean nation, Air Service Development Manager at the Aruba Airport Authority Jo-Anne Meaux stated:

 "We are so pleased to see Canada back on the destination board here at Aruba Airport! After months of suspended service, we're ready to welcome back Canadian passengers. We are working with our many partners to deliver a safe and seamless experience when traveling through our airport." She later added, "Air Canada and WestJet to nearly double capacity in the fourth quarter of 2021 and continue into early 2022 signals strong confidence in the Aruba market as we continue to recover as one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic."

75% of adults in Aruba have been vaccinated

Since Aruba opened its borders to international tourists during the summer, it implemented many protocols to help keep its citizens and tourists safe. The measures include that all people visiting the island to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test and the purchase of Aruba Visitors Insurance. Currently, more than 75% of Aruba's adult population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

What do you think about Canadian airlines returning to Aruba? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments.