Why Caribbean Airlines Ended Its Buy-on-Board Service

January 2, 2026 at 09:06 PM•3 min read

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has discontinued its "Caribbean Café" buy-on-board service and closed its merchandise shop as part of a major cost-cutting and network optimization program

Key Points

1Caribbean Airlines (CAL) ended its "Caribbean Café" buy-on-board service on January 1, 2026, as part of a major cost-reduction strategy.
2The airline's operating profit declined by 51% in 2024 to US$12.1 million, providing the financial context for the cost-cutting measures.
3The cost-cutting is part of the CAL Network Optimisation Programme, which also includes discontinuing flights to the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and shifting the Barbados hub to Trinidad's Piarco International Airport by February 2026.

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has officially ended its "Caribbean Café" buy-on-board service. This change took effect on January 1, as announced in an internal staff email. The move is part of a broader, aggressive effort to slash operating costs.

The End of Caribbean Café

CAL introduced the Caribbean Café service in 2018. It allowed passengers on select routes to purchase branded merchandise. Local products from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica were also offered. Despite its aim to improve customer service, the program is now suspended indefinitely. Complimentary meals and snacks will still be served on certain routes.

In tandem with this, the airline also closed its physical merchandise store, 'D’ Caribbean Shop.' However, branded items will remain available for sale online. They will also be sold at the duty-free store at Piarco International Airport (POS).

CAL stated it is focused on refining its product offerings. The airline claims the overall onboard experience will not be impacted. This decision to cut the buy-on-board service reduces ancillary revenue. This highlights the carrier's urgent need for cost control.

Broader Network Optimization

The discontinuation of the service is a component of the CAL Network Optimisation Programme. This program involves continuous evaluation of routes and resources. It aims to enhance schedule reliability and ensure long-term sustainability.

Other significant changes were announced in December 2025. CAL is discontinuing services to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). Flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will also cease. These route cuts are effective from January 10, 2026. Route performance evaluations showed poor load factors on these services.

Hub Consolidation

Further restructuring will impact the airline's Barbados hub. From February 2026, the hub operations will shift back to Trinidad. Aircraft and crew currently based in Barbados will transition. They will operate from the main hub at Piarco International. CAL assures customers that seamless connectivity will continue. This is maintained through a refined flight schedule across the Eastern Caribbean.

Financial Context and Industry Impact

These aggressive cost-cutting measures follow a challenging financial period. CAL's operating profit declined by 51% in 2024. Profit fell to US$12.1 million from US$24.7 million in 2023. Increased maintenance, handling, and security costs were cited. Competition also led to a US$15 per passenger decline on international routes.

This trend underscores the challenges in the regional air connectivity market. The CAL Network Optimisation Programme is a direct response. It prioritizes efficiency over ancillary revenue streams.

Impact on Passengers: Travelers on discontinued routes will receive refunds.
Impact on Regional Connectivity: The BVI and Puerto Rico cuts reduce direct links.
Industry Trend: The move reflects a focus on core profitability.

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