Antigua and Barbuda Government in Talks With Airlines to Fill Gap Left by JetBlue

Leader of Government Business in the Senate Shenella Govia says tourism officials are negotiating with several airlines to replace airlift expected to be lost following JetBlue Airways’ decision to end its service to Antigua and Barbuda.

Govia made the disclosure in the Senate in response to questions from Senate Minority Leader Schester Hughes about the airline’s decision and its potential impact on the tourism industry.

She said JetBlue informed the government that the decision was part of a broader commercial strategy to redeploy aircraft to Fort Lauderdale after slots became available through Spirit Airlines.

“JetBlue, without advance notice, would have indicated that they’ve made an internal commercial decision,” Govia said.

She added that the airline also cited rising fuel prices and other operating costs.

According to Govia, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and representatives of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association met with JetBlue officials earlier this week to discuss the matter.

She said the country’s director of tourism was also engaged in negotiations with American Airlines on Thursday morning, although she declined to disclose details of the discussions.

When Hughes asked whether the government was seeking new carriers rather than relying on existing airlines, Govia said talks were not limited to American Airlines.

“Our Ministry of Tourism officials are currently in negotiations, and not limited to American Airlines,” she said, identifying Delta Air Lines and United Airlines among the other carriers being approached.

Govia expressed confidence that the lost capacity would be replaced for the 2026-27 tourism season and beyond.

“We will see that slot being either replaced or filled,” she said. “Ministry of Tourism officials have been working tirelessly to ensure that it does not impact us at all.”

Hughes later attempted to ask whether JetBlue’s failure to consult the government before making its decision amounted to disrespect toward Antigua and Barbuda. However, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant ruled that the question had not been approved and directed Govia not to answer it.

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