Virgin Atlantic will drop direct services between Edinburgh and Barbados in February after just two months.

The airline, which launched the route amid a wave of publicity in December, blamed ‘subdued demand’ for the decision.

Flights began on 5 December with Virgin due to operate a twice weekly schedule until 23 April . The last outbound service will depart on 16 February.

It was Scotland’s only direct flight to the Caribbean, with Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive Gordon Dewar describing it as a ‘fantastic boost’ when the route was announced.

“It is a huge show of confidence in Edinburgh Airport’s ability to deliver for passengers across the country,” he said at the time.

Services are due to resume on 12 December 2022.

News of the suspension follows the U-turn on plans to operate between Barbados from Manchester next summer. It also delayed plans to fly to Montego Bay from this winter to 2022/23.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “We’re continually reviewing our flying and holiday schedules, including Barbados services from our home in Scotland, Edinburgh Airport. This winter, changing travel restrictions and arrival testing requirements set by the UK and Scottish governments led to subdued bookings on the route. Following careful review, we’ve taken the difficult decision to shorten the existing Edinburgh – Barbados schedule, with the last flight of this winter season now departing to Barbados on 16 February and inbound to Edinburgh on 22 February.”

The airline said it remained committed to Edinburgh which it insisted has ‘long-term viability as Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean’.

“We know our customers love travelling to Barbados, and sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused to those due to travel on services from mid-February up until 23 April 2022, which will unfortunately be cancelled,” the spokesperson added.

Affected customers can receive a credit voucher, a full refund or book an alternative flight from Manchester or Heathrow.

T