The island’s newest flight route was welcomed with open arms at LF Wade International Airport yesterday.

The inaugural JetBlue flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Bermuda was almost completely full and was sprayed with water as it arrived on the tarmac.

Inside the terminal, visitors were greeted with goodie bags courtesy of the airport’s operator, Skyport, as well as free passes to the Crystal Caves, provided by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Donn Foggo, the BTA’s assistant director of public relations and community engagement, said that providing visitors with the voucher was part of the organisation’s Lost Yet Found campaign, which introduces tourists to Bermudian culture and experiences.

Nikki Fagan, Skyport’s head of communications, said the company handed out the goodie bags, which had locally made soap and cupcakes, as well as a Bermuda flag, to give people a feel for the island.

She said: “It is a big deal for us to have this LaGuardia flight here, so we just wanted to show an appreciation to the passengers.

“This is something small to say hello and welcome to the island.”

Skyport confirmed the flight will run until September.

JetBlue’s flight from Boston made its first Bermuda trip of the season this afternoon.

Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, said: “We have been working hard with Skyport and everyone else to see these flights come into fruition.”

Mr Furbert also confirmed that JetBlue will continue its Boston route year-round and said that discussions are being held about bringing “more flights” to the island, but did not provide further details.

Ken Hassard, Skyport’s commercial director, was happy to see a new flight coming from New York, which he said is Bermuda’s most important market, responsible for about 30 per cent of air traffic to and from the island.

“It is always encouraging to see such a demand from the get-go, and if you look at the line-up, it was almost all visitors,” he said. “We are also expecting to see an increase in Bermudian travellers, since the US lifted the vaccination restrictions.”

The US will no longer require visitors to have proof of Covid-19 vaccinations from May 12.

The US Consulate General said yesterday that US government will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for international air travellers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends.

A statement said: “This means starting on May 12, non-citizen non-immigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted Covid-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.”

Mr Furbert added: “Factoring in this additional airlift, there are now 32 commercial flights per week scheduled between Bermuda and New York metropolitan area airports.

“This is a vast increase from last year, when there were only 18 flights per week operating to and from the New York area. We are delighted to have this expanded service from our leading tourism market, enabling greater passenger traffic.”

Mr Furbert also highlighted the impact the additional flights would have on Bermudians who seek to travel.

“I am heartened to note that the removal of vaccination requirements for travel to the United States next week will also likely improve passenger numbers,” he added.

Airlift to Toronto is also scheduled to increase this month with the addition of extra Air Canada flights.

However, flights to Miami will slow down this month, with the American Airlines service to the Florida city to halt completely by June before returning in November.