New Air Services From UAE, Colombia and Panama Could Begin Next Year, Fernandez Says

Government Pursuing Air Links to UAE, Colombia and Panama

The Antigua and Barbuda government is pursuing new air services from the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Panama as part of efforts to expand the country’s international connectivity and strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub.

Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Minister Charles Fernandez provided the update during the official opening of the expanded headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) on Thursday.

Fernandez said the government and aviation stakeholders are actively engaged in negotiations aimed at securing additional international routes and expanding existing air services from key global markets.

“We are actively engaged in negotiations to secure new routes and expand existing services from key global markets,” Fernandez said.

He noted that discussions are underway regarding new air services from the United Arab Emirates as well as Latin and South America, with some routes potentially beginning as early as next year.

According to Fernandez, increased connectivity into Central and South America includes targeted markets such as Colombia and Panama, which he said are expected to support tourism growth, trade and investment opportunities.

The minister also pointed to anticipated growth among regional carriers, including LIAT and Sunshine Airways, as demand increases for regional travel and multi-destination tourism throughout the Caribbean.

“These developments will create greater opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people connections throughout the region,” Fernandez said.

The announcement comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues to promote itself as a key gateway for travel within the Eastern Caribbean. Fernandez said the presence of ECCAA’s headquarters in Antigua and Barbuda reinforces the country’s role as a strategic aviation hub and reflects confidence in the local aviation sector.

He stressed that expanding airlift must be accompanied by strong regulatory oversight, noting that institutions such as ECCAA play a critical role in ensuring aviation safety and security while supporting the growth of international and regional air transport.

The minister made the remarks during a ceremony marking the opening of ECCAA’s expanded headquarters at V.C. Bird International Airport, attended by government officials, aviation stakeholders and regional representatives.

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