Bermuda will resume international commercial air service for visitors starting July 1.
This move will be part of the island’s fourth phase of economic reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are many in our community and around the world eagerly awaiting confirmation of when the L.F. Wade International Airport will reopen to regularly scheduled commercial flights. I can now confirm that the decision has been made to resume commercial flights on July 1, 2020,” said Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism and Transport, Zane DeSilva.
“As we work to finalize the protocols and requirements for travel to Bermuda, rest assured, we will always place the safety of our island and its people above all else,” DeSilva said.
Bermuda’s reopening plan features five stages of visitors travelling to and from Bermuda including: pre-departure, in-flight, upon arrival, on-island, and returning home.
Government officials are working to finalize a policy that will enable travellers who test negative 72 hours in advance and who also test negative upon arrival in Bermuda to have freedom of movement to enjoy the island’s experiences, adhering to local health guidelines in place at the time of visit.
“Bermuda looks forward to welcoming visitors back to our island starting July 1. Just 21 square miles with a population of 64,000,” said Glenn Jones, Interim CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “Bermuda has always been a precious resource, set apart by its geographic location and vibrant way of life.”
“Now more than ever, we believe travelers will value our genuine hospitality, pristine beaches and open spaces – all accessible by a two-hour, non-stop flight from several East Coast North American gateways,” said Jones. “The Bermuda government’s plan is rigorous: protecting the health of our community, while allowing visitors to experience our island safely and responsibly when they are ready to travel.”
Bermuda said it has the world’s 12th highest rate of testing per capita and just five currently active cases.
With reopening, Bermuda offers guests “an accessible, safer destination with an emphasis on wellness and responsible precautions, along with the island’s well-known beauty, flavors and natural attractions,” the destination’s officials said.