Fresh Air Services Pact with France and Brazil Approved by MPs

The House of Representatives has approved new Air Services Agreements with France and Brazil. This advancement is poised to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s connectivity worldwide, reinforcing the nation’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.

During a recent parliamentary session, the Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon. Charles Fernandez, emphasized the crucial role these agreements play in propelling economic growth.

The deal with France, particularly, is noteworthy as it builds on existing air service links to popular French territories like St. Barts, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.

Fernandez also highlighted the considerable technical support France is providing, assisting the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority in its quest to reinstate its Category 1 status with the US FAA.

The newly ratified agreement integrates a liberalized framework for civil aviation, prioritizing top-tier international safety and security standards while empowering airlines with greater operational flexibility.

Currently, Antigua and Barbuda maintains air service agreements with countries such as Colombia, Cuba, Germany, and Nigeria. Looking ahead, plans are underway to forge new agreements with Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, along with expansion talks involving Italy, China, Japan, and India.

The positive trajectory of tourism in the nation is evident, with visitor numbers hitting a record high of over 330,000 in 2024. Notably, January 2025 alone welcomed over 35,000 passengers.

To further bolster this influx, exciting infrastructure upgrades are underway, including a newly established car rental area featuring 15 local agencies and a fleet of over 600 rental vehicles. Additionally, a substantial radar enhancement project—costing upwards of 3.5 million euros—has been completed, accompanied by training programs for 35 Antiguan and Barbudan air traffic controllers in Spain.

Safety remains paramount, with plans in motion to resurface the runway at VC Bird International Airport, anticipated to cost around US$40 million.

These collective efforts demonstrate a commitment to not only improving travel logistics but also ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.